Open AccessHealth physics calculation framework for environmental impact assessment of radiological contamination
Author(s) -
Francesco Teodori
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
aims environmental science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2372-0352
pISSN - 2372-0344
DOI - 10.3934/environsci.2021026
Subject(s) - contamination , environmental science , radionuclide , radiological weapon , radioactive contamination , human health , environmental health , population , radioecology , risk assessment , environmental impact assessment , waste management , environmental engineering , risk analysis (engineering) , computer science , engineering , business , medicine , physics , ecology , chemistry , radiochemistry , nuclear physics , biology , computer security
A fundamental step for safety assessment is the study and modeling of the radionuclide transfer through the environment up to reach and expose population to risk. In this vein we are working to provide a reliable and flexible computational framework which can be used for both retrospective and prospective calculations of radiation doses and human health effects, resulting from both routine and uncontrolled releases of radionuclides to the environment and from pre-existing environment contamination. The goal is to provide a multipurpose computational tool to be used for siting facilities, environmental impact statements, and safety analysis reports. The code can handle: external exposure from finite or infinite atmospheric plumes; external exposure from contaminated soil, sediments, and water; external exposure from special geometries; and internal exposures from inhalation, inadvertent intake of soil, consumption of terrestrial foods, aquatic foods, drinking water, and animal products.