Radiation dose evaluation to male adult reference phantom from using three types of cloths with naturally occurring radioactive material

Abstract

Objective To evaluate annual skin equivalent dose and annual effective dose to consumers arising from three types of cloths samples containing naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM). Methods Firstly, measurement of radioactivity in three types of cloths were made with γ-ray spectrometer. And then, theoretical exposure scenarios were simulated with Monte Carlo software to calculate organ dose and effective dose by using ICRP reference voxel male phantom. Finally, annual skin equivalent dose and effective dose to consumers from these cloths samples were evaluated. Results In the wrapped and covered estimation models used in this study, sample mass ranged from 135 to 7 197 g, annual skin equivalent dose to consumers from these cloths samples from 155.41 to 9 028.61 μSv, and annual effective dose from 11.91 to 1 234.44 μSv. Conclusions NORM-added consumer products would cause some radiation hazard to human body. Key words: NORM; Consumer products; Dose evaluation