Radiation Protection Glossary

A radiation protection glossary for Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPS) and anyone interesting in radiation safety terminology. The glossary is a mixture of health physics terms, and phrases related to radiation legislation, transport, practical safety and similar.

Search the Glossary by either clicking on a letter or typing a Keyword into the search box.

Moderator

Published: Oct 12, 2018

General term for materials used in nuclear reactors to reduce the energy (speed) of Fast Neutrons to that of Thermal (slow) Neutrons. The thermal neutrons are then able to interact and Fission with U-235.

The definition of 'safe' is not strictly an engineering term; it's a societal term. Does it mean absolutely no loss of life? Does it mean absolutely no contamination with radiation? What exactly does 'safe' mean?

– Henry Petroski