EPA-680/4-73-001-a
February 1974
RADIOACTIVITY STANDARDS DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
1973 - 1974
by
Quality Assurance Branch
Technical Support Laboratory
National Environmental Research Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
ROAP Number 22ADB
Program Element 1HA327
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89114
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 - Price 60 cents
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PREFACE
Quality assurance is an integral part of any viable environ-
mental monitoring activity. The primary goals of the Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA) quality assurance program are to improve
and document the credibility of environmental measurements. To
achieve these goals, quality assurance is needed in nearly all seg-
ments of monitoring activities and should cover personnel, methods
selection, equipment, and data handling procedures.
Five major functions, each essential to an effective quality
assurance effort, comprise EPA's quality assurance program:
Promulgation of standardized methods of
measurement
Distribution of standard reference materials
Issuance of guidelines and procedures
Training and technical assistance
Evaluation and certification of monitoring
activities
This manual has been prepared to assist users of standard
reference materials in the radiation area. All EPA monito'ring pro-
grams are requested to make use of this document in planning their
own radiation measurements and in assisting the States in carrying
out radiation monitoring activities.
Comments concerning the utility of this document, along with
any suggestions for possible changes and revisions, are welcomed.
Questions on matters related to quality assurance of environmental
measurements in various fields should be directed to the following
person(s):
Air Pollution
Mr. Seymour Hochheiser, Chief
Quality Control Branch
Quality Assurance and Environmental
Monitoring Laboratory
National Environmental Research Center
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
ii
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Water
Mr. Dwight Ballinger, Director
Methods Development and Quality Assurance
Research Laboratory
National Environmental Research Center
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
Pesticides
Dr. M. T. Shafik, Acting Chief
Chemistry Branch
Primate and Pesticides Effects Laboratory
National Environmental Research Center
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
Radiation
Mr. Arthur N. Jarvis, Chief
Quality Assurance Branch
National Environmental Research Center
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
During the months ahead, manuals and documents will be issued
which provide guidelines to be followed in all phases of monitoring
activitiessampling, analysis, and data handlingand in all media;
air, water, and land. Use of these guidelines throughout the Agency
will enable a uniform approach to be established within EPA which
ultimately can be implemented at the State level. -This should permit-
a significant improvement in the validity and reliability of environ-
mental data which the Nation collects.
The implementation of a total and meaningful national environ-
mental quality assurance effort cannot succeed without the full
support of all monitoring programs. Your cooperation is appreciated.
ill
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface -------------- i
Table of Contents -----------iii
I. Program Objectives ----------- ~|
II. Preparation and Calibration
of Radioactivity Samples -------- --.3
III. Availability of Calibrated Samples - - - - - 8
IV. Participation in Program --------- n
Request Forms
iv
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I. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Environmental measurements are made daily by many different
Federal, State, local and private agencies. The data from these
measurements are used for a wide variety of purposes including
assessments of health effects, the establishment of standards and
guides, and for enforcement activities. It is therefore imperative
that the precision and accuracy of the data be assured in order
that policy decisions concerning environmental quality be based
on valid and comparable data.'
The Quality Assurance Program of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency is designed to encourage the development and
implementation of quality control procedures at all levels of
sample collection, analysis, data handling, and reporting. Quality
control responsibilities, in the radiation area, have been assigned
to the Quality Assurance Branch at the EPA's National Environmental
Research Center-Las Vegas. This branch, as an integral part of its
overall quality assurance effort, prepares.and distributes a
variety of calibrated low-level radioactive samples for use in the
laboratories of Federal, State, and local agencies.
The major objective of this program is to encourage the de-
velopment of intralaboratory and interlaboratory quality control
procedures and thus insure that the data being supplied to the EPA
is valid. Providing accurately calibrated'samples assists labora-
tories in calibrating new instruments, implementing and maintaining
routine instrument calibration programs, evaluating analytical pro-
cedures, and developing and revising data processing programs.
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The following pages briefly describe standard preparation
procedures, list the radionuclides available, and indicate how a
laboratory may request standards.
If your laboratory does not currently make use of the ser-
vices offered by the Quality Assurance Branch at the NERC-LV, you
are encouraged to do so.
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II. ftfcEPARATION AND CALIBRATION OF SAMPLES
Radionuclides, of the best quality available, are used to
prepare calibrated samples. These samples are obtained from both
governmental and commercial sources. The uncertainty in the known
activity of individual sources ranges from 0.5% to 5%. Radio-
nuclide purity, excluding daughters, is better than 99%.
Upon receipt of a radionuclide, it is checked both for its
activity and for the presence of radionuclide contamination. If a
sample passes this initial inspection, it is diluted with a carrier
solution of the same chemical composition and concentration as the
original. This is necessary to insure that no loss of activity
occurs in the solution due to precipitation or plating. In certain
cases the addition of a stabilizer is required. Depending on the
particular radionuclide involved, the dilution yields solutions
varying in activity from approximately 10,000 disintegrations per
minute per gram (dpm/gm) to 50,000 dpm/gm.
To check the accuracy of dilutions, aliquots of alpha or
beta emitters are taken from the stock solution, prepared for
counting, and their activity determined using appropriate counting
instruments. The solution is then pipetted into 5 ml glass ampuls,
weighed, and immediately flame sealed. All solutions of gamma-
emitting nuclides are pipetted directly into ampuls, weighed, flame
sealed, and counted.
Accompanying each calibrated sample is a certificate
(Figure 1) listing pertinent information concerning the sample and
its calibration including an estimate of the errors associated with
the value of the activity. For gamma emitters, a plot (Figure 2)
of the pulse height spectrum is also included.
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U. S'. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER-LAS VEGAS
QUALITY ASSURANCE BRANCH
Calibration Certificate
Description . Principal radlomicltdt
Koolnal activity
Nominal volure
curies
.11..^^.
Hi1f-I1ft
nunbcr
Supplied to
V
Request
Measurement Activity of principal rad
per gran of this sof|Ten
^-
«"«'
at 0400 hours PST on
Activity of daughter radionuclide
The principal activity ws accorpanled at th« o.uote< tlxe by
curies per
5 ram
of the daiqhter nucllde
-ToUT nass of this solution Total principal activity per gram
at the quoted time
grant
curies
Figure 1
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Method of measurement
Useful Life
If net 1t MS obtained by KERC-LY
radlonucllde has decayed through
We recommend that thfj solution should not be v
The manufacturer states (hat activities ot
nd of Us daughter nudities, if any.
The activity of Impurity (Ills"3**? (2) Is not (3) 1s not
Included 1n the quoted figures of the principal activity
J of the orlnclpal activity
of the principal activity
of the principal activity
It Is estimated that we have added the following Impurities:
(1)
(2)
(3)
less than
less than
less thin
curies/gran
curies/gram
curies/gram
Figure 1 continued
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Random Errors
The repeatability of this standardization (dilutions, source preparations, counting statistics.
mass determinations, etc.) was such that the certified value of the radioacttve concentration
of the principle activity had a standard error (c) not greater than
(The 99.7S confidence limits ire given by t 3o.)
The total systematic error (sura of estimated maximum residual systematic errors due to
'dispensing, counting losses, counting corrections, known uncertainty of standard) of the
certified radioactive concentration of the principle activity has been estimated not to
exceed
The overall limits of error calculated on the basis of * (3o + 4) or - (3o + «') ire
of the quoted radioactive concentration.
The effective standard deviation is defined as l/6th of the range between the overall Units
+ (3o + «) md - (30 + 4') and Is
Decay Schemes
This standardization Is baseJ on tnr^fia^win^.a'ssunDtions of the principle nuclide, its
daughter nuclides and in'uritiejlfi|fcaTT*liMlp'for error in these assumptions or the
assumption of quotea half-ltfe^|gjj^gen Iricroded in the statement of accuracy above).
Chemical
Composition
of Solution
Carrier content
Other components:
Preservative:
Remarks
Date Certificate Prepared
Approval Signature
Figure 1 continued
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10*
NET
CPM
10
10°
Figure 2
40
80 120
CHANNEL NUMBER
16O
200
Pulse height spectrum of 22Na measured with 4" x 4" Nal(TI) Crystal
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III. AVAILABILITY OF CALIBRATED SAMPLES
The current Quality Assurance Branch inventory consists of
30 different radionuclides. This inventory is being expanded to
meet the needs of users and will include approximately 50 radio-
nuclides by July 1974. The radionuclides listed in Table 1 have
been calibrated and are available for immediate delivery. Radio-
nuclides listed in Table 2 are scheduled to become available on
the dates indicated. Insofar as possible, these radionuclides
will remain in inventory and available for delivery following the
date indicated.
If sufficient interest and/or need arises, additional radio-
nuclides will be added to the inventory and users notified of
availability.
Table 1.
NUCLIDE
90Sf
3H
131Z
140Ba
22Na
54Mn
65Zn
137Cs
60Co
59 Fe
95Nb
95Zr-Nb
106Ru
TYPE OF
EMISSION
3~
3~
3~, Y
B~, Y
3+» Y
Y
Y
e~, Y
e~, Y
3~, Y
3~, Y
3", Y
3"
HALF-LIFE
27.7 y
12.26 y
8.05 d
12.8 d
2.62 y
303 d
245 d
30 y
5.26 y
45.6 d
35.0 d
65.5 dd
368 d
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Table 2. CALIBRATED SAMPLE DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE
!
NUCLIDE
46Sc
85Sr
89Sr
203Hg
226Ra***
232jh***
51Cr
58CO
75Se
iOSRu
121+Sb
125Sb
i^Ce
238y ***
239pu*
2^1Am**
63Ni
"Tc
uomAg
is^cs
i^Ce
TYPE OF
EMISSION
3"i Y
Y
0~. Y
3^5 Y
a, Y
a
Y
3+, Y
Y
3", Y
6", Y
e~, Y
3", Y
a
a
a, Y
3"
3"
3", Y
P~, Y
3". Y
i
, HALF-LIFE"1"
83.9 d
64.0 d
52.7 d
46.9 d
1602 y
1.41 x 1010 y
27.8 d
71.3 d
120 d
39.5 d
60.4 d
2.7 y
284 d
4.51 x 109 y
24390 y
458 y
92 y
2.12 x 105 y
255 d
2.04 y
32.5 d
MONTH AVAILABL
October 1973
n
n
n
n
n
November 1973
ii
n
n
n
n
n
n
December 1973
n
n
n
n
n
n
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Table 2 (continued). CALIBRATED SAMPLE DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE
NUCLIDE
35S
^Ca
TYPE OF
EMISSION
e~
6"
56Co B+, y
88y Y
109Cd
32p
55pe
133Ba
ltt7Pm**
185W
20HT1
57Co
125l
139Ce
96Rb
182Ta
^SAU
Y
B~
Y
Y
B~
B~
B"
Y
Y
Y
6", Y
B~, Y
Y
! . .
HALF-LIFE'1"
87.9 d
165 d
77.3 d
108 d
453 d
14.3 d
2.6 y
10 y
2.62 y
75 d
3.81 y
270 d
60.2 d
140 d
18.66 d
115 d
183 d
MONTH AVAILABLE
January 1974
n
ii
n
n
February 1974
n
n
n
M
n
March 1974
n
n
April 1974
n
May 1974
1
*
**
***
Lederer, C., et al., Table of Isotopes, sixth edition,
John Wiley and Sons, New York 1967.
Recommended half-lives will be indicated on the certificate
accompanying each sample.
Special Nuclear Material License required.
Byproducts License required.
Possible State license required.
10
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IV. PARTICIPATION IN CALIBRATED SAMPLE DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
Any Federal, State, local or private laboratory involved in,
or concerned with, environmental radiation monitoring and sur-
veillance may participate in the calibrated sample distribution
program. To request samples, complete one of the request forms
included in this publication and return it to:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Environmental Research Center
Quality Assurance Branch
P.O. Box 15027
Las Vegas, NV 89114
All requests for calibrated samples should be submitted at least
3 weeks in advance in order to insure delivery on date required.
Should additional forms be required, they may be requested from
the same address.
11
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RADIONUCLIDE REQUEST FORM
TO: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Environmental Research Center
Quality Assurance Branch
P.O. Box 15027
Las Vegas, NV 89114
Please ship the calibrated samples listed below to:
Contact Person
Title
Laboratory
Address
Telephone _
AEC License {s) _______________
and/or - -
c. , . Number(s)
State License v - --
NOTE: If either byproducts (in quantities greater than exempt
quantities) or special nuclear materials are requested, a
copy of the AEC license(s) should accompany the first request.
Radionuclide Samples Desired:
I certify that the calibrated sample(s) requested are to be used
only in this laboratory by qualified personnel for the purpose of
developing or checking analytical procedures and/or for the calibra-
tion of instrumentation.
I further certify that I am authorized to receive the above
listed radionuclides under the license number(s) listed above or that
this laboratory is exempt from licensing regulations.
Date Signature
Title
-------
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RADIONUCLIDE REQUEST FORM
TO: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Nation 1 Environmental Research Center
Qua "Mr./ Assurance Branch
P.O. P<;: 15027
Las Yc_ -., NV 89114
Please ship l\~ ^ calibrated samples listed below to;
tuc'; r ,-rson
Title
LabOfv<';c»y
Address
Telenho,:.s
AEC License
and/or
State License
NOTE:
Type(s)
Number(s)
: If either byproducts (in quantities greater than exempt
quantities) or special nuclear materials are requested, a-
copy of the AEC license(s) should accompany the first request,
Radionuclide Samples Desired:
I certify that the calibrated sample(s) requested are to be used
only in this laboratory by qualified personnel for the purpose of
developing or checking analytical procedures and/or for the calibra-
tion of instrumentation.
I further certify that I am authorized to receive the above
listed radionuclides under the license number(s) listed above or that
this laboratory is exempt from licensing regulations.
Date
Signature
Title
-------
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RADIONUCLIDE REQUEST FORM
TO: U.S. E' :ronmental Protection Agency
Natior Environmental Research Center
Qua]i t ssurance Branch
P.O. '; 15027
Las V , NV 89114
Please ship I calibrated samples listed below to;
Title
;rson
Adclre--
Tel op!.
AEC License
and/or
State Licen;
NOTE: If ei
quail'.
copy .
Type(s)
Number(s)
;- byproducts (in quantities greater than exempt
:s) or special nuclear materials are requested, a
the AEC license(s) should accompany the first request.
Radionuclide :",.,.c,ples Desired:
I certify that the calibrated sample(s) requested are to be used
only in this laboratory by qua-lified personnel for the purpose of
developing or checking analytical procedures and/or for the calibra-
tion of instrumentation.
I further -certify that I am authorized to receive the above
listed radiomclides under the license number(s) listed above or that
this laboratory is exempt from licensing regulations.
Date
Signature
Title
-------
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1 REPORT NO.
EPA- 680/4-73-001-a
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION-NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Radioactivity Standards Distribution Program
1973-1974
5Oc₯.OFT973TE( preparation date)
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
Quality Assurance Branch, Technical Support Laboratory
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
n/a
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
National Environmental Research Center
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
P. 0. Box 15027
Las Vegas, NV 89114
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
1HA327
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
in-house report
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, DC 20460
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
interim 1973-1974
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
A program for the distribution of calibrated radioactive samples is described.
Included is a discussion of the objectives of the distribution program and a
description of the preparation, availability, and distribution of calibrated
radioactive samples. Instructions and application forms are included for
laboratories desiring to participate in the program.
This document is not a research report. It is designed for use by personnel of
laboratories participating or desiring to participate in the Radioactivity
Standards Distribution Program which is a part of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's quality assurance program.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c. COSATI Field/Group
quality assurance
quality control
radioactivity
quantitative analysis
calibrating
standards
07 05/14 04
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Release unlimited
NERC-LV, NTIS
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
1O
20. SECURITY CLASS (Thispage)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
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