Occupational radiation exposure in the Nuclear Fuel Complex [Hyderabad]

The radiation exposure data collected during the past 5 years (1973-1977) in various plants of the Nuclear Fuel Complex, Hyderabad (India) are presented. The total annual dose for different plants and the average annual dose per person have been computed. The internal contamination levels due to transportable uranium expressed in terms of maximum permissible body burden (MPBB) are shown. The air-borne uranium levels have been plotted on a log-normal graph. Median values and the geometric standard deviations for various operations in the plants are given. For the evaluation of the Activity Median Aerodynamic Diameter, a 1/2 inch HASL cyclone has been used. The results show that both average annual external exposures and the uranium body burdens are low. The estimated average lung dose to non-transportable uranium works out to be around 5 rems per year for continuous 50 years exposure. (B.G.W.)