Distinguished Merit Award: Identification Of Fundamental Flaws Regarding Alpha Particle Risk To Skin

Brianna Carr, Diane Aube, Dusty Raymond-Lavigne, James Harrington, Joe Lemieux, Katie Jamieson, Krista Mohns, Leah Pearson, Liubov Kamaeva, Mike Zinck, Serena Coulas, and Steve Bogensberger

For The Identification of A Fundamental Flaw In The Prevailing Assumptions Regarding Alpha Particle Risk To The Skin

During preparation for the work with high-energy alpha-emitting isotopes, the Radiation Protection (RP) team at CNL identified a fundamental flaw in the prevailing assumptions regarding the alpha particle risk to skin. This insight has profound implications for worker protection and regulatory compliance, and ultimately changed how high-energy alpha contamination risk is assessed and controlled at CNL and potentially it could change the standards for the international radiation protection community. Their efforts reflect the mindset of ownership over obligation, leadership over routine, and excellence over adequacy. Not to mention it is a clear example of their commitment to safety for their colleagues, as well as each other and our communities.