ABSTRACT
The control of surface contamination has been a common procedure of radiation control programs since the early days of the atomic industry. These procedures include both the direct measurement of total surface contamination using portable survey meters, and smear or wipe tests for sampling the “removable” surface contamination. Standards for the permissible amounts of radioactive surface contamination have been established by governmental authority in the United States only for radioactive material shipments and by the Department of Defense. In order to summarize the available information and guidance on contamination levels, a review was undertaken in 1965 of adopted guides and the data relating to personnel hazards from surface contamination. A compilation was made of the surface contamination limits used in the United States and in other countries, based on literature and a questionnaire sent to various organizations. The limits for use in occupational radiation areas and release to noncontrolled areas (unrestricted or general public use) are summarized.
