A project between Fernald EMP and LANL is to field a monitor for the d
etection of alpha-emitting contamination on a human body. Traditional
personnel monitoring for alpha emitters involves either frisking with
a probe or pressing against large detectors in order to overcome the s
hort range of alpha particles. These methods have a low alpha collecti
on efficiency, and can miss contamination on; less accessible surfaces
. We have investigated the sensitivity and practicality of measuring t
he entire subject simultaneously using the technique of ionization mon
itoring. The goal is to create a booth that personnel step into quickl
y during egress from radiological facilities. The detection technique
relies on a breeze of air passing over the subject. Alpha emission pro
duces copious ions In the ambient air which are transported by the air
current to an ion collector, resulting in a small electrical current
proportional to the amount of contamination. Results indicate a conser
vative sensitivity of 3000 disintegrations per minute localized to one
of five areas of the body in a measurement lasting less than 2 minute
s.