5. Radiation Dosimetry and Biological Safety

Radiation of nuclear systems mainly comes from neutrons, photons, charged particles, and radionuclides produced by nuclear reactions between neutrons and materials. Radionuclides can migrate from the reactor to the environment, resulting in radiation risks to workers, the public, and the environment. Comparing with the traditional nuclear system, new radionuclides will be produced in advanced nuclear systems because of the differences of coolants between both nuclear systems. This chapter focuses on the radiation effects of these nuclides. Fundamental safety principles need to be followed, and safety requirements need to be met to control radiation risks arising from nuclear systems and to ensure the protection of public health and the natural environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. For workers and the public, it is necessary to estimate the external exposure from neutrons and photons and to evaluate both internal and external exposures to radionuclides. The radioactive source term, nuclide migration, and radiation dosimetry calculations and biological effects of radiation will be described in this chapter.