Question

A mining company wants to build a modern processing plant that is safe for workers. The location of the plant is close to the mining operation, which has inadvertently exposed some sources of radionuclides. Which is the best reason for consulting with a nuclear chemist before building the processing plant?
to determine the level of radionuclides present
to explain the health concerns that are related to radiation
to destroy all the radionuclides in the area immediately
to conduct tests to see if workers are affected by radiation

Answer 1

to determine the level of radionuclides present

Reason: a nuclear chemist can perform radiochemical analyses and surveys to quantify contamination. Knowing the type and amount of radionuclides is the first step to assess risk, design controls, and decide whether health monitoring or remediation is needed.