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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.
Michael J. Kolar, Nolan C. Olson
Nuclear Technology | Volume 36 | Number 1 | November 1977 | Pages 56-64
Radiation Environments in Nuclear Reactor Power Plant | Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/NT77-A31958
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A mathematical model was developed to calculate the dose to equipment inside containment of power reactors following a maximum hypothetical accident (MHA). The model permitted both instantaneous and time-dependent releases and incorporated decay chains up to six isotopes in length. The release of noble gases produced by the decay of halogens that plate out on surfaces or are trapped by filters was taken into account. The resulting equations were solved analytically. The gamma and beta dose due to an MHA from a 3-GW(th) reactor was computed using this model. Results show that the use of decay chains produces a 38% increase in dose, and an instantaneous release produces a dose that is 14% higher than the time-dependent release.
