Radioactivity can be one of the most confusing topics in science to many today. Its usefulness in a broad array of scientific arenas is undoubtedly substantial, and yet the same technology that can be used to solve problems can also be used for huge amounts of destruction and long term consequences.
While most people alive today have heard of radiation and its uses and potential disastrous penalties they may not know exactly what it is, and their knowledge of the subject is limited to only what they hear from news sources or medical journals. Simply put, radioactivity refers to the unpredictable release of energy from 'unstable' atoms. Unlike stable atoms, which do not change throughout their lifetime, unstable atoms break down and emit radioactivity from their nucleus as they break down (also referred to as decay). Elements such as uranium, potassium, and thorium (isotopes) decay fairly easily to form smaller, lighter atoms, while other more stable elements may take longer.
While radiation and radioactivity seem to be terms that refer to twentieth century science topics, the phenomena was actually discovered back in 1896 by Antoine Becquerel somewhat by accident. Becquerel, who studied photography and x-rays, had put photographic plates in a drawer with uranium salts. To his surprise the photographic plates became exposed without the presence of a purposefully placed energy source, as the uranium has supplied the needed energy. In honor of his work in the field, the standard unit of measure for radiation was named the Becquerel.
Medicine and fields such as archaeology have seen huge advances in their fields due to the uses of technology derived from radiation studies. In modern medicine, radioactive isotopes are used as forms of tracers to follow how certain body processes function. Once ingested the isotopes can be followed and have been extremely useful in the diagnosis of disease and the research related to solving some of medicines biggest mysteries. Archaeology on the other hand uses radiation in a much different way. Since radiation is derived primarily from natural forms, scientists have been able to find ways to use it to help define the history and length of life on the planet earth. Living organisms take in radiation through the environment through carbon, however once deceased the organism stops its intake of carbon and the amount that is present slowly decreases over time. The amount of time it takes for the decrease to happen is predictable and scientists use this information to date events that have occurred on our planet.
Although complicated the science of radiation and radioactivity has fascinated researchers due to its unlimited potential and usefulness. However the vast variety of uses also has its consequences and must be watched carefully. Perfect proof for this can be seen in the meltdown of a Ukrainian nuclear reactor that occurred during the cold war. Disastrous effects of this accident are still in effect to this day and the surrounding population and terrain will be scarred for a long period of time. Radioactive materials do have their uses, but we must be responsible with the technology and use it appropriately to help further our knowledge.
For more information and guidance about radiation, visit http://www.apnga.com. The American Portable Nuclear Gauge Association specializes in radiation topics.
Posted by WebDrafter.com, Inc. with permission.
Article independently authored by Matthew Eddington. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of APNGA.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, June 15, 2009
Free Nuclear Moisture Density Gauge Training and Certification
Now Online for Industrial Workers...
Technology is amazing, and moving forward at a rapid rate. Years ago it was unthinkable that road construction workers who use Portable Nuclear Moisture-Density Gauges to test and measure asphalt and soil characteristics would ever be trained outside of the classroom environment. Such specialized training is expensive, and until the Internet revolutionized accessibility and effective teaching through multimedia, there was no way to adequately provide monitored certification training to those who work with such highly regulated equipment.
Regardless of the type of industry, training employees can be an expensive task. Unfortunately companies and agencies don't always take the time, money, and interest to obtain the proper worthwhile training that is necessary. Many companies also don't effectively monitor and track their employee's status with regards to certifications. While the lack of some certifications may not pose any problems to companies, certifications and training in the areas involving safety can not be overlooked or bypassed.
Safety should be paramount no matter what industry is involved. Most training is usually handled in-house, but with regards to highly sensitive or potential dangerous situations, such as handling radioactive equipment, outside agencies that specialize and fulfill government requirements are often consulted.
Many everyday used industrial tools, such as nuclear moisture density gauges used in road construction, do not have a high potential risk if used properly. The compliance, regulation, and licensing of these tools fall under the cognizance of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations, or alternatively a group of states known as "Agreement States". Much of the training associated with tools of this type is not necessarily just how to use the device, but more along the lines of the processes and procedures governing its registration, transporting, and overall handling of a nuclear device.
With the amount of certifications and training available, it can be a daunting, confusing, and expensive process to track and monitor employees' training and expertise in handling special or sensitive, regulated equipment. The manufacturers of nuclear moisture density gauges offer training and certifications, often at a maximum price per individual. Until recently, individuals and companies had little choice but to cough up exorbitant amounts of money for this training in terms of transportation, per-diem, lodging, and tuition.
Free certification training from dedicated professionals is available, but not through any of the gauge manufacturers. This free training strictly adheres to and fulfills the established requirements put forth by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or Agreement States with regards to Portable Nuclear Moisture-Density Gauges. This free training also satisfies the requirements of many Agreement States. Those states that are listed as agreement states have shown that their own nuclear regulatory department satisfactorily upholds the standards and requirements of the NRC, but have opted to govern and regulate at the state level.
Whether a company opts for the expensive training from the manufacturers of these moisture density gauges or the more economical approach that satisfies the same requirements with certifications, it should made clear that "no training" is not an option. In our modern age of improving technology and shrinking budgets, companies have better use for their dwindling resources than paying hundreds or thousands of dollars in incidental expenses associated with in-person classroom training. Wouldn't it be better for your company to find training resources on the Web that meet the certification requirements without compromising quality, and also save a bundle of training dollars in the process?
For more information and guidance about free nuclear moisture density gauge training and certification, visit http://www.apnga.com.
Technology is amazing, and moving forward at a rapid rate. Years ago it was unthinkable that road construction workers who use Portable Nuclear Moisture-Density Gauges to test and measure asphalt and soil characteristics would ever be trained outside of the classroom environment. Such specialized training is expensive, and until the Internet revolutionized accessibility and effective teaching through multimedia, there was no way to adequately provide monitored certification training to those who work with such highly regulated equipment.
Regardless of the type of industry, training employees can be an expensive task. Unfortunately companies and agencies don't always take the time, money, and interest to obtain the proper worthwhile training that is necessary. Many companies also don't effectively monitor and track their employee's status with regards to certifications. While the lack of some certifications may not pose any problems to companies, certifications and training in the areas involving safety can not be overlooked or bypassed.
Safety should be paramount no matter what industry is involved. Most training is usually handled in-house, but with regards to highly sensitive or potential dangerous situations, such as handling radioactive equipment, outside agencies that specialize and fulfill government requirements are often consulted.
Many everyday used industrial tools, such as nuclear moisture density gauges used in road construction, do not have a high potential risk if used properly. The compliance, regulation, and licensing of these tools fall under the cognizance of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations, or alternatively a group of states known as "Agreement States". Much of the training associated with tools of this type is not necessarily just how to use the device, but more along the lines of the processes and procedures governing its registration, transporting, and overall handling of a nuclear device.
With the amount of certifications and training available, it can be a daunting, confusing, and expensive process to track and monitor employees' training and expertise in handling special or sensitive, regulated equipment. The manufacturers of nuclear moisture density gauges offer training and certifications, often at a maximum price per individual. Until recently, individuals and companies had little choice but to cough up exorbitant amounts of money for this training in terms of transportation, per-diem, lodging, and tuition.
Free certification training from dedicated professionals is available, but not through any of the gauge manufacturers. This free training strictly adheres to and fulfills the established requirements put forth by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or Agreement States with regards to Portable Nuclear Moisture-Density Gauges. This free training also satisfies the requirements of many Agreement States. Those states that are listed as agreement states have shown that their own nuclear regulatory department satisfactorily upholds the standards and requirements of the NRC, but have opted to govern and regulate at the state level.
Whether a company opts for the expensive training from the manufacturers of these moisture density gauges or the more economical approach that satisfies the same requirements with certifications, it should made clear that "no training" is not an option. In our modern age of improving technology and shrinking budgets, companies have better use for their dwindling resources than paying hundreds or thousands of dollars in incidental expenses associated with in-person classroom training. Wouldn't it be better for your company to find training resources on the Web that meet the certification requirements without compromising quality, and also save a bundle of training dollars in the process?
For more information and guidance about free nuclear moisture density gauge training and certification, visit http://www.apnga.com.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
APNGA : Website Design by WebDrafter.com
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To learn more about APNGA, visit www.apnga.com today.
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