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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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The RAIN scale: A good intention that falls short
Radiation protection specialists agree that clear communication of radiation risks remains a vexing challenge that cannot be solved solely by finding new ways to convey technical information.
Earlier this year, an article in Nuclear News described a new radiation risk communication tool, known as the Radiation Index, or, RAIN (“Let it RAIN: A new approach to radiation communication,” NN, Jan. 2025, p. 36). The authors of the article created the RAIN scale to improve radiation risk communication to the general public who are not well-versed in important aspects of radiation exposures, including radiation dose quantities, units, and values; associated health consequences; and the benefits derived from radiation exposures.
James W. Schmidt, Joseph M. Harworth
Nuclear Technology | Volume 87 | Number 2 | October 1989 | Pages 520-526
Technical Paper | TMI-2: Health Physics and Environmental Release / Nuclear Safety | doi.org/10.13182/NT89-A27747
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Following the Three Mile Island (TMI) Unit 2 accident, it was determined that due to the unusual radiological conditions created, an improved thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) system was needed to support the cleanup and recovery. As a result, a Panasonic-based TLD system was developed and installed by GPU Nuclear at the TMI facility. The resulting modified 802-type Panasonic dosimeter design and associated algorithm were developed under contract by Phillip Plato from the University of Michigan. This dosimeter/algorithm design provides for the use of a changing beta correction factor derived from beta spectral data collected by the dosimeter. The system computer-based processing equipment is driven using software developed under contract by International Science Associates. Long-term stability of the system is assured by an extensive quality control program integrated into the system operation. With the exception of several minor upgrades, the dosimetry system is essentially unchanged from its original implementation in February 1983. Additionally, the system has maintained continuous National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program certification of all monitoring categories.