Hot particle

A hot particle is a small, highly radioactive object, with significant content of radionuclides. Hot particles are usually released into the environment during a nuclear accident or when high-level radioactive waste is improperly handled, and are the principal hazard of the nuclear fallout from nuclear explosions. They are an important component of radioactive contamination.

Related Topics:
Radioactive - Radionuclide - Nuclear accident - Radioactive waste - Nuclear fallout - Nuclear explosions - Radioactive contamination

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The size of hot particles contained in nuclear fallout ranges from 10 nanometers to 20 micrometers for the worldwide fallout; local fallout particles are significantly bigger (100 micrometers to several millimeters).

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Hot particles can consist of tiny specks (~10 micrometers sized) of nuclear fuel (so-called fuel fleas due to their tendency to become electrically charged and then jump from surface to surface), or of other material activated by exposition to neutron radiation.

Related Topics:
Nuclear fuel - Fuel fleas - Activated - Neutron radiation

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Hot particles can be identified by a geiger counter, or by autoradiography. Their age and origin can be determined by their isotopic signature.

Related Topics:
Geiger counter - Autoradiograph - Isotopic signature

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Hot particles present significant health hazard when ingested or entered the body by other means.

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