Gross Beta Particle Activity
Occurrence/Use
Gross beta particle activity is a measure of the total amount of radioactivity in a water sample attributable to the radioactive decay of beta-emitting elements. Beta particles usually travel greater distances in air than alpha particles (about 6 feet) before being absorbed.
Date Added
Cancer Potency Information
| Latest Criteria: | California Public Health Goals |
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Water
California Public Health Goals Data
| Public Health Goal (mg/L): | N/A |
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| Public Health Goal - Download: | grossbetahealth.pdf |
| Last PHG Revision : | 04/19/2004 |
| California PHG Comments: |
The documents provide some perspective on the carcinogenic potency of the radionuclides included in the categories of gross alpha and gross beta, at the screening levels of 15 pCi/L for gross alpha and 50 pCi/L for gross beta/photon emission. We have not suggested Public Health Goals (PHGs) corresponding to these screening levels, since the screening levels are by definition analytical tools, not final regulatory limits. |