RadNet Air Filter Inquiries
A RadNet air filter inquiry is not a response to a known radiological emergency.
A RadNet air filter inquiry is initiated when there is potential for a release of radioactive materials to the air that could result in the presence of airborne radionuclides at low concentrations. A RadNet air filter inquiry may also be initiated if low concentrations of radionuclides have been detected in the U.S., or by an international agency.
| Date | Description of Event | RadNet Modifications | Findings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/6/2024 - 9/28/2024 |
International monitoring networks have detected slightly elevated amounts of Cs-137 in the atmosphere above northern Europe. Considering these detections, the EPA temporarily modified the RadNet air monitor filter screening and gamma spectrometry analysis processes. |
The gross beta air concentration screening level for air filter analysis is temporarily reduced to 0.015 pCi/m3. Air filters with beta air concentration values above the temporary screening level will be analyzed by gamma spectrometry. |
View all air filter monitoring results. |
No man-made radionuclides were detected as part of this inquiry. |
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Gamma spectrometry analysis is being performed on air filters collected during the indicated date range from seven selected air monitoring locations, regardless of gross beta air concentration values. |
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| 6/14/2020 – 6/26/2020 | In consideration of reported detections of man-made radionuclides in the atmosphere in northern Europe in mid-June 2020, the EPA temporarily modified procedures for RadNet air monitor filter screening and analysis. |
The gross beta air concentration screening level for air filter analysis is temporarily reduced to 0.01 pCi/m 3 . Air filters with beta air concentration values above the temporary screening level will receive gamma spectrometry analysis. Gamma spectrometry analysis is being performed on air filters collected during the indicated date range from seven selected air monitoring locations, regardless of gross beta air concentration values. |
View all air filter monitoring results. |
No man-made radionuclides were detected as part of this inquiry. |
| 11/7/2018 – 11/16/2018 | In consideration of California’s Woolsey Fire and its proximity to the closed Santa Susana Field Laboratory, the EPA temporarily modified procedures for RadNet air monitor filter screening and analysis. |
The gross beta air concentration screening level for air filter analysis is temporarily reduced to 0.015 pCi/m3. Air filters with beta air concentration values above the temporary screening level will receive gamma spectrometry analysis. |
View all air filter monitoring results. |
No man-made radionuclides were detected as part of this inquiry. |
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Gamma spectrometry analysis is being performed on air filters collected during the indicated date range from five selected air monitoring locations, regardless of gross beta air concentration values. |
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| 4/11/2018 - 5/1/2018 | In consideration of a breached drum of radioactive material at the Idaho National Laboratory site, the EPA temporarily modified procedures for RadNet air monitor filter screening and analysis. |
The gross beta air concentration screening level for air filter analysis is temporarily reduced to 0.015 pCi/m3. Air filters with beta air concentration values above the temporary screening level will receive gamma spectrometry analysis. |
View all air filter monitoring results. | No man-made radionuclides were detected as part of this inquiry. |
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Gamma spectrometry analysis is performed on air filters from selected air monitoring locations, regardless of beta air concentration values. |
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Transuranic analyses for alpha-emitting radionuclides will be considered if releases to the atmosphere outside of the containment are indicated. |
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| 9/24/2017 - 10/31/2017 | In response to detections of very low amounts of ruthenium-103 and ruthenium-106 by various European air monitoring agencies, EPA temporarily modified procedures for RadNet air monitor filter screening and analysis. |
The gross beta air concentration screening level for air filter analysis was temporarily reduced to 0.02 pCi/m3. Air filters with beta air concentration values above the temporary screening level received gamma spectrometry analysis. |
View all air filter monitoring results. | The concentrations reported for ruthenium-103 and ruthenium-106 are all below the detection limit for those radionuclides. |
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Gamma spectrometry analysis was performed on air filters from selected air monitoring locations, regardless of beta air concentration values. |
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