A Comparison of Yearly Radiation Dose to Drivers From Various Types of Radioactive Materials

The purpose of this paper is to examine the radiation dose to drivers of vehicles carrying radioactive materials shipments by highway. Since a small amount of radiation may be emitted from radioactive materials packages, drivers may be exposed to this radiation. The data on radiation exposure to these drivers are limited. This paper will discuss the radiation doses to such drivers based on various carriers' individual radiation dosimetry programs and studies that have been conducted in the United States. Some of the studies that are compared include the exposure of drivers of vehicles carrying spent nuclear fuel, radiopharmaceuticals, low level radioactive wastes and uranium hexafluoride.