In 2012 as in previous years, the release of the radioactive carbon isotope 14C to the air was in compliance with the annual limit. This was confirmed by routine analyses of the chemical laboratory of the FRM II and the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS). The research reactor was turned down in November 2012 as a precautionary measure, because the release of 14C was above the average of recent years. The cause was a drying process of certain filters that has been changed as a matter of precaution. After clarifying the cause, the neutron source has been started up again in December. According to the German Radiation Protection Regulations, people can handle five times the amount of the annual limit value 14C of the FRM II without protective measures.

Kontakt:
Prof. Dr. Winfried Petry
Technische Universität MünchenWissenschaftlicher Direktor
Forschungs-Neutronenquelle Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II)
Tel. 089 289 12141