Aerodynamic diameter and radioactivity distributions of radioactive aerosols from activated metals cutting for nuclear power plant decommissioning

Radioactive aerosols from nuclear power plant decommissioning have not been actively studied compared to those from severe accidents. However, it will be more critical issues in the future. The radioactive aerosols will deposit on the surfaces of matter and disperse in the working space. Hence, the workers in nuclear power plant decommissioning may inhale some of the aerosols during the normal operation or accident. The health effects of aerosols depend not only on the particle size but also on the aerodynamic and thermodynamic characteristics. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the distribution of radioactive aerosols regarding their aerodynamic diameters, radioactive isotopes, and chemical forms to ascertain the respirable fraction. We analyze the effect of the cutting method, cutting material, and cutting conditions on the mass and radioactivity distributions of radioactive aeroso…