DATE: JUL ^8 B87
(Vi. Ci^
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIoJTWnC^^
REGION 11
1" -T*1 S"^ I
subject: Trip Report - Edison: Radiological Survey of Bldg. 238
Shawn W. Goo
from: Health Phys
to. Paul A. Giardlna
Regional Radiation Representative
950R87033
On July 2, 1987, 1 visited Edison/Raritan Depot at the Request of Oames Foley,
Chief, Facilities and Administration Management Branch, to determine the radio-
logical status of Buildirg-238. Building 238 was being considered for renovation
to house EPA trailers and employees for office space. Due to the previous Identi-
fication of celling tiles containing elevated concentrations of radium, there was
concern that some elevated exposure rates and radon concentrations might be expec-
ted 1n Building 238. Prior to purchasing the building front GSA, 1t was felt to
be prudent to determine the potential for problems 1n these buildings.
EPA/EERF Montgomery Labs did not do an Investigation of building 238 when they con-
ducted a survey of the majority buildings at the site. NUS Corporation did only
a limited survey Inside 238 with a sodium-iodide detector. NUS noted that levels
on one side of the building (see attached drawing) were approximately background,
while measurements on the other side of the building were approximately 2 to 3
times background.
I conducted a survey of 238 using a micro-R exposure meter and obtained samples of
the celling tile from either side of the building . It was noted that on the south-
side of the building, exposure rates ranged from approximately 8-10 uRh~l, and on
the north side of the building, rates were two to three times the south side, or 16
to 26 uRh~l. From the measurements, 1t can be Implied that approximately one half
of the roof of building 238 1s constructed with radium contaminated phosphogypsum
ceiling tiles.
The external (photonj gamma and x-ray) exposure rate in the building (16-18 uR"1)
where personnel would be located would result In 32 to 36 rorem additional exposure
above normal background per year. This annual dose equivalent is approximately
5 times lower than the level (170 mrem/yr) at which EPA has recommended remedial
action at uranium mill tailings sites and the guidance currently being used as a
a clean-up "standard" for the Montclalr/Glen Ridge/West Orange Sites. The addi-
tional exposure Is approximately equivalent to the Increase ir? natural background
exposure that the population in the midwest United States (Denver and Colorado)
1s exposed to from cosmic radiation due to their higher altitude.
With regard to external gamma-ray exposure, I can recommend that no action or reme-
diation is required as a result of the slightly elevated external exposure rates.
Due to the presence of radium 1n the roofing tiles, a potential for increased or
elevated radon levels in the structure may exist when the structure 1s made more
weatherproof. However, the installation of a drop celling, insulation, and venti-
lation above the celling will preclude the creation of elevated radon levels due
to the contaminated ceiling tile.
REGION II FORM 1320-1 <8/aS>

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For further details, the results of the survey are attached. Results of the analy-
sis of the tile should be available from EERF by the end of July 1987.
cc: 1 ».ara1nne Koehler, AWM-RAD
Ni na Ewal1, AWM-RAD
M1ndy Pensak, AWM-RAD
James Foley, OPM-FAM
^Garbara Metzger, ES

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