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Environmental Radiochemistry

The Environmental Radiochemistry Unit analyzes environmental samples submitted by public water systems, local health departments, and the Divisions of Environmental Health, Solid Waste Management, and Radiation Protection. Natural and manmade radiation levels in air, water, milk, food and other media, are currently monitored. These environmental surveillance programs are outlined below. All parameters are not tested on each sample.

  1. Air Filters
    1. Gross Alpha
    2. Gross Beta
    3. Gamma
    4. Uranium (isotopic)
  2. Air Cartridges
    1. Gamma
  3. Water
    1. Rain Fall
      1. Gross Beta
      2. Tritium
      3. Strontium
    2. Surface Supplies, Sewage Effluent
      1. Gross Alpha
      2. Gross Beta
      3. Gamma
      4. Strontium 89/90
      5. Radium 226/228
      6. Tritium
      7. Iodine-131 (low levels)
      8. Uranium (total alpha or isotopic)
    3. Public drinking water samples (ground)
      1. Gross Alpha
      2. Gross Beta
      3. Radium 226/228
      4. Uranium (total alpha)
    4. Public drinking water samples (surface)
      1. Gross Beta
      2. Tritium
      3. Gamma
      4. Strontium 89/90
    5. Ground supplies (not public)
      1. Gross Alpha
      2. Gross Beta
      3. Tritium
      4. Gamma
      5. Radium 226/228
      6. Uranium (total alpha)
      7. Gamma
  4. Silt/Soil
    1. Gross Alpha
    2. Gross Beta
    3. Tritium
    4. Gamma
    5. Uranium (Isotopic)
    6. Radium 226/228
  5. Milk
    1. Gamma
    2. Iodine 131 (Low level)
    3. Strontium 89/90
  6. Edible Products
    Same as Silt/Soil
  7. Wipe Samples (Leak Test)
    Isotopes as requested

Sample Collection and Shipment

Samples submitted for compliance under the North Carolina Safe Drinking Water Act must be collected in containers provided by the Laboratory. Public water systems choosing this Laboratory to analyze their water samples must complete DHHS form #2888 and return the form with appropriate fees to this Laboratory. Other eligible submitters should complete DHHS form #2006 and indicate desired parameters.

Reporting

The variety of sample types, analytical methodologies, and current sample loads make it difficult to predict the time required for reporting. Best estimates, based on the individual situation, can be made at the time of sample submission to the Laboratory. Crisis samples will receive priority over routine monitoring samples. Radiological laboratory reports are held for five years, and then destroyed.

Note:  For radiation contamination problems other than routine drinking water monitoring, please contact the Division of Radiation Protection, Environmental Radiation Surveillance Section (919) 571-4141. Personnel from that office will be dispatched to investigate the situation.

Relevant Links:

See also:

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Last Modified: February 17, 2009 4:08 PM