Nuclear industry protection

Protection From Radioactive Contaminated Particles or Liquid Hazards

Protection from nuclear hazards can be divided into two main areas: protection against ionizing radiation hazards and protection against radioactive particle or liquid hazards.

The fabrics used in single-use protective garments do not provide a barrier to ionizing radiation (e.g., gamma rays, X-rays or radioactive alpha or beta particles). The standard protocol used to reduce radiation exposure would include time, distance and shielding. For garments, limited shielding may be provided by specialty garments that contain lead-based materials. DuPont does not offer any specialty garments that provide protection from ionizing radiation hazards.

For hazards associated with radioactive contaminated particles or liquids, rather than blocking the radiation itself, appropriate garments are designed to minimize the penetration of radioactive materials, thereby also keeping contact with the skin and clothing worn underneath to a minimum. These garments are designed to be worn in a potentially affected area and then be promptly removed and disposed of, such that long-term exposure to the radioactive contaminated material is minimized after leaving the potentially affected area and to avoid contaminating other areas.
 

Protective Clothing Against Radioactive Contamination and the EN 1073-1 & EN 1073-2 Standard

Chemical protective garments are intended for single use so that a cross-contamination with radioactive particles can be minimized.

DuPont offer specially designed garments that help provide protection from radioactive particles and liquids. Specific fabric types, seam configurations and garment designs should be specified to match the hazard.

In general, more body coverage is better:

Hooded coveralls (with attached socks) or fully encapsulated coveralls help to protect the entire body from radioactive particulates.

DuPont™ Tyvek® 500 Xpert, Tyvek® 600 Plus, Tyvek® 800 J, Tychem® 2000 C Standard, as well as Tychem® 6000 F Standard garments & Tychem® 6000 AL are tested according to EN 1073-1 or EN 1073-2 as protective clothing against radioactive contamination. EN 1073-1 standard is designed for compressed air line ventilated protective clothing, protecting the body and the respiratory tract, and EN 1073-2 for non-ventilated protective clothing against particulate radioactive contamination.