title: Contribution to a more realistic approach in assessing the release of C-14 from low-level radioactive waste repositories.
abstract: The contribution of C-14 to radiation exposure in the biosphere can be significant as compared to that of other radionuclides disposed in a repository for low-level radioactive waste. The release pathways of C-14 and processes relevant to its release from a closed final repository for low-level radioactive waste are discussed. Because a conservative approach may lead to undue overestimation of the potential radiation exposure, a more realistic approach is outlined. At the present level of refinement, our approach helps to provide a sufficient safety margin to German dose limits for radiation exposure of 0.3 mSv and can thus facilitate licence approval.
authors.affiliation: ISTec - Institute for Safety Technology, Schwertnergasse 1, Cologne, 50667, Germany. guido.bracke@grs.de
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bracke
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Müller
mesh_terms: D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D011850:Radioactive Waste; D012037:Refuse Disposal
chemical_list: D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D011850:Radioactive Waste