How does the EPA analyze air filters?
RadNet operators ship air filters from the monitoring location to the EPA’s National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) for analysis. RadNet sample analysis on air filters is conducted following a routine schedule, unless analysis is accelerated after an emergency event.
All air filters go through an initial screening for beta radiation, followed by a screening for gamma radiation scan if the beta activity is greater than 1 pCi/m3. For each air filter, laboratory analysis provides the average concentration of a contaminant over the sample collection period in picocuries per cubic meter (pCi/m3).
Each year, a composite sample of the air filters for each monitor is analyzed for gamma-emitting radionuclides. Isotopic plutonium (Pu-238, Pu-239/Pu-240) and uranium (U-234, U-235, and U-238) analyses are performed on composite samples from one-fourth of the stations on a four-year rotating schedule. View air filter analysis results for each RadNet air monitoring location on its individual webpage on the RadNet website.
For more information, visit RadNet.
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Related Questions
- How does the EPA monitor the air for radiation?
- Why does the EPA test air filters for radionuclides?
- What units does EPA use to report laboratory analysis results (drinking water, air filter and precipitation)?
- How does the EPA measure radiation if the air monitor in my area is not operating?
- Where can I view RadNet monitoring data and sampling analysis/laboratory results?