Radiation Dosimetry and Biological Safety

Abstract

Fusion neutrons can cause material damage, thus posing a serious threat to the structural integrity of fusion reactor components and reactor safety. In addition, fusion neutrons can induce the production of radioactive materials, including tritium and neutron activation products, which can migrate from the reactor to the environment, resulting in radiation risk to the public and the environment. With a view to ensure the protection of people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, fundamental safety principles need to be followed and the requirements need to be met to control the radiation risk arising from fusion systems. For personnels and the public, it is necessary to estimate the external exposure from fusion neutrons and photons and to evaluate both internal and external exposures to radionuclides. Attention should also be paid to the biological effects caused by radiation. In this chapter, principles and requirements of radiological protection, radioactive source and nuclide migration, radiation dosimetry calculations, and biological effects of radiation are introduced.