| Background Radiation: Ionizing radiation that occurs naturally in the environment, including cosmic, terrestrial and radon radiation. Also known as natural background radiation. Becquerel (Bq): An SI unit of measure for activity. One becquerel equals 1 disintegration per second. Typically, becquerels associated with portable gauges, are expressed in billions (GBq) of a becquerel. There are 37,000,000,000 becquerels in 1 curie. Beta particle: A high speed particle emitted from the nucleus which is identical to an electron. They can have a -1 (electron) or +1 (positron) charge and are effectively shielded by thin layers of metal or plastic. Beta particles are most hazardous when ingested. Beta particles emitted from the radioactive materials in the gauge are permanently shielded and therefore not used in the operation of the gauge. Bill of Lading: A shipping document required whenever radioactive material is transported or shipped on public highways, waterways, cargo aircraft or rail. Must be readily visible and accessible to the driver. |
