1.1This guide provides a rapid procedure by which vegetation samples may be screened for surface contamination of radioactive strontium (89Sr and 90Sr, collectively referred to as radiostrontium) following an airborne radioactive dispersal event. It provides a conservative estimate of radiostrontium deposition that can be used by decision makers for immediate actions prior to obtaining definitive results from a fixed laboratory asset.
1.2Insoluble forms of radiostrontium, such as the strontium (90Sr) titanate (SrTiO3) used in radio-isotope thermal-electric generators (RTGs), will not be measured by this method.
1.3Non-SI units are used in the calculations of this guide for ease of use during the emergency phase of an event. The instrumentation used typically provides count rates in counts per minute (cpm) rather than per second (s–1, the SI unit), thus activity is expressed in dpm (decays per minute) rather than Bq. Additionally, US EPA protective guidelines for surface contamination are expressed in dpm/100 cm2.
1.4This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.