Journal of Radiation Industry (방사선산업학회지)

Korean Society of Radiation Industry (한국방사선산업학회)
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Analysis of the Likelihood of Internal Radiation Exposure When Decommissioning a Nuclear Power Plant in Korea

  • Jiung Kim (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Tae Young Kong (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Seongjun Kim (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Jinho Son (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Changju Song (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Jaeok Park (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Seungho Jo (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Hee Geun Kim (Division of Energy & Electrical Engineering, Uiduk University)
  • Received : 2024.05.31
  • Accepted : 2024.06.13
  • Published : 2024.06.30
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Abstract

In Publication No. 66 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection, an activity median aerodynamic diameter (AMAD) of 5 ㎛ is considered in internal exposure dose assessment owing to inhalation of radionuclides in a workplace. However, analysis of aerosols generated during dismantling experiments, such as in the oxy-cutting of a reactor vessel conducted in Korea, revealed that the radioactive aerosols have AMAD ranging from 0.024 to 0.064 ㎛. Such extremely fine aerosols can induce internal exposure if inhaled. In particular, alpha radionuclides in aerosols can lead to significantly higher levels of radiation exposure than beta and gamma radionuclides, thus highlighting the need to establish appropriate internal exposure radiation protection programs and monitoring systems that specifically address alpha radionuclides when decommissioning nuclear power plants in Korea.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea (No. RS-2024-00349003).

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