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Statistical analysis of radiation dose derived from ingestion of foods

Posted on:2002-12-26Degree:Ph.DType:Dissertation
University:University of FloridaCandidate:Dougherty, Ward LFull Text:PDF
GTID:1464390011991138Subject:Engineering
Abstract/Summary:
This analysis undertook the task of designing and implementing a methodology to determine an individual's probabilistic radiation dose from ingestion of foods utilizing Crystal Ball. A dietary intake model was determined by comparing previous existing models. Two principal radionuclides were considered—Lead210 (Pb-210) and Radium 226 (Ra-226). Samples from three different local grocery stores—Publix, Winn Dixie, and Albertsons—were counted on a gamma spectroscopy system with a GeLi detector. The same food samples were considered as those in the original FIPR database. A statistical analysis, utilizing the Crystal Ball program, was performed on the data to assess the most accurate distribution to use for these data. This allowed a determination of a radiation dose to an individual based on the above-information collected.; Based on the analyses performed, radiation dose for grocery store samples was lower for Radium-226 than FIPR debris analyses, 2.7 vs. 5.91 mrem/yr. Lead-210 had a higher dose in the grocery store sample than the FIPR debris analyses, 21.4 vs. 518 mrem/yr.; The output radiation dose was higher for all evaluations when an accurate estimation of distributions for each value was considered. Radium-226 radiation dose for FIPR and grocery rose to 9.56 and 4.38 mrem/yr. Radiation dose from ingestion of Pb-210 rose to 34.7 and 854 mrem/yr for FIPR and grocery data, respectively.; Lead-210 was higher than initial doses for many reasons: Different peak examined, lower edge of detection limit, and minimum detectable concentration was considered. FIPR did not utilize grocery samples as a control because they calculated radiation dose that appeared unreasonably high.; Consideration of distributions with the initial values allowed reevaluation of radiation does and showed a significant difference to original deterministic values. This work shows the value and importance of considering distributions to ensure that a person's radiation dose is accurately calculated.; Probabilistic dose methodology was proved to be a more accurate and realistic method of radiation dose determination. This type of methodology provides a visual presentation of dose distribution that can be a vital aid in risk methodology.
Keywords/Search Tags:Dose, Ingestion, Methodology, FIPR
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