Nuclear industry protection

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The tragic disaster in Japan raises questions about protection from nuclear hazards. These questions can be divided into two main areas: ionizing radiation hazards and radioactive particle or liquid hazards.

Ionizing radiation hazards

Depending on the source, ionizing radiation may be present in the form of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., gamma rays, X-rays) or particle radiation (alpha particles, beta particles). Some sources produce both forms of radiation. The standard protocol used to reduce radiation exposure includes applying time, distance and shielding controls.

Nuclear power plants

Because there is such a broad spectrum of tasks and of radioactive contamination risks, DuPont offers a wide range of nuclear protective clothing.

The fabrics used in single-use protective garments do not provide a barrier to electromagnetic ionizing radiation (e.g., gamma rays, X-rays). However, protective garments, like Tyvek® and Tychem® apparel, may provide limited shielding protection against radioactive alpha or beta particles. A hazard risk assessment needs to be completed for specific tasks to determine whether a DuPont garment may be suitable for use.

For garments, limited shielding also may be provided by specialty apparel that contain lead-based materials. DuPont does not offer any lead-based or other specialty garments that can provide protection from both electromagnetic and particle radiation hazards.

Radioactive contaminated particle or liquid hazards

For hazards associated with radioactive contaminated particles or liquids, rather than blocking the radiation itself, appropriate garments are designed to minimize the penetration of radioactive materials, thereby also keeping contact with the skin and clothing worn underneath to a minimum. These garments are designed to be worn in a potentially affected area and then be promptly removed and disposed of, such that long-term exposure to the radioactive contaminated material is minimized after leaving the potentially affected area and to avoid contaminating other areas.

Chemical protective garments are intended for single use so that a cross-contamination with radioactive particles can be minimized. In general, more body coverage is better: hooded coveralls help keep clothing and hair free of radioactive materials. DuPont does offer specially designed garments that help provide protection from radioactive particles and liquids. Specific fabric types, seam configurations and garment designs should be specified to match the hazard. In addition, other appropriate PPE, such as but not limited to respirators, goggles, gloves and footwear, etc., as identified during the hazard assessment, should be used in conjunction with any garment selection.

Take home toxins

Workers can unknowingly bring home hazardous substances on their clothes, shoes, skin, tools and vehicle interiors. These hazardous substances are known as “take-home toxins.” Family members are vulnerable to these toxins, which can embed themselves in furniture and laundry, circulate through household air, and be transmitted by person-to-person contact. Employers can help prevent the spread of take-home toxins by choosing the right protective garments for workers and requiring them to don and doff them on-site.