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Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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The RAIN scale: A good intention that falls short
Radiation protection specialists agree that clear communication of radiation risks remains a vexing challenge that cannot be solved solely by finding new ways to convey technical information.
Earlier this year, an article in Nuclear News described a new radiation risk communication tool, known as the Radiation Index, or, RAIN (“Let it RAIN: A new approach to radiation communication,” NN, Jan. 2025, p. 36). The authors of the article created the RAIN scale to improve radiation risk communication to the general public who are not well-versed in important aspects of radiation exposures, including radiation dose quantities, units, and values; associated health consequences; and the benefits derived from radiation exposures.
L. W. Weston, J. H. Todd
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 84 | Number 3 | July 1983 | Pages 248-259
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NSE83-A17793
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The ratios of the neutron fission cross sections σf(240Pu)/σf(239Pu), σf(240Pu)/σf(235U), and σf(239Pu)/σf(235U) have been measured simultaneously with a multiplate ionization fission chamber using the Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator as a neutron source over the neutron energy range from 5 keV to 20 MeV. The 240Pu ratio data are in overall agreement with ENDF/B-V with exceptions in relatively narrow neutron energy regions. Below 150 keV and from 10 to 20 MeV, the present 239Pu/235U fission ratios indicate significant discrepancies when compared to ENDF/B-V. These ratios are important for thermal and fast reactor applications.
