Abstract
This paper describes methods of interpreting and applying occupational uranium (U) monitoring data to avoid chemical damage to the kidneys and limit radiological risk to an acceptable level. The methods are based on current international radiation protection guidance, current information on the chemical toxicity of U, and best available biokinetic models for U. The methods apply to air monitoring data and bioassay (U in urine and faeces and externally measured U in lungs). Reference primary guidance levels for prevention of chemical effects and limitation of radiation effects are selected on the basis of a review of current scientific data and regulatory principles for setting standards. Generic investigation levels (ILs) and immediate action levels (IALs) are defined in terms of the primary guidance levels. The ILs and IALs are stated in terms of generic levels of radiation dose and concentration of U in the kidneys that are not directly measurable quantities. Models are used to relate the generic levels to measured levels of U in air or bioassay. Methods are prescribed for deriving ILs and IALs of U in air and bioassay for known and unknown solubility levels of airborne U. This paper focuses on interpretation of air monitoring to illustrate the general approach.
