CONTAMINATION SPREAD DURING DECOMMISSIONING OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

Radioactive materials coming from nuclear power plants are released to the environment during operation and decommissioning. The main quantity of radioactivity inside a nuclear power plant is due to neutron activation. Beside this, radioactivity is due to contamination of materials and systems which have been in contact with the main coolant or with other contaminated fluids and gases. This work concerns the spread of radioactive contamination during the dismantling of E. Fermi Nuclear Power Plant (Italy). We will analyze in particular the cutting of contaminated metal components: the primary circuit elements. Aerosol production and dust caused by thermal cutting is a noteworthy issue. Moreover, metal dusts and aerosols have harmful effects on human health and on the environment. We will summarize two methods for assessing the quantity of radioactivity resuspended by cutting operations. The correct use of individual radioprotection devices can overcome the issue of inhalation/ contamination.