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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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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. M. Arnett
Nuclear Technology | Volume 3 | Number 4 | April 1967 | Pages 217-221
Technical Paper and Note | doi.org/10.13182/NT67-A27759
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Formulas are developed for the calculation of the whole-body gamma-radiation dose from a cloud of radioactive gases. The complexity of the formulas is greatly reduced by the simplifying assumption that the cloud does not change in size and shape during the time that the receptor is exposed to radiation. For most cases of interest, the numerical solutions based on this assumption are nearly identical with more detailed solutions. The formulas have been programmed for computer solution so that large parametric studies are possible in an hour or two of machine time. The numerical solutions can be displayed as a contour map or an isometric drawing as a function of cloud size and shape. When lines that are functions of meteorological conditions and distance from the release point of the cloud are added to such a display, the details of the solution are graphically presented to provide a very clear visual comprehension.