Exposure to depleted uranium poses both radioactive and chemical risks. How is the chemical risk integrated into the risk assessment to demonstrate compliance with 10 CFR Part 61?
The chemical risks are not integrated directly into the compliance assessment for a Part 61 license. The regulatory criteria, including concentration values and limits, in 10 CFR Part 61 have been established based on radiation risk alone. As part of requesting a license for a radioactive waste disposal facility, the applicant would also have to obtain all other required permits or licenses. These will include licenses or permits from other Federal or State agencies that have authority over the elements or compounds, in this case depleted uranium, which may pose a chemical risk. Examples of other regulatory authorities might include a general authority to protect underground sources of drinking water in the general environment or through a site’s National Pollutant Elimination Discharge System permit(s).
Related Questions
- Exposure to depleted uranium poses both radioactive and chemical risks. How is the chemical risk integrated into the risk assessment to demonstrate compliance with 10 CFR Part 61?
- Are Uranium and Thorium products radioactive? Are they naturally occurring or depleted isotopes?
- Can exposure to depleted uranium (DU) cause cancer?
