Characterization and quantification of the release of airborne dust after mechanical impact on powders and solids

The release of health affecting airborne dust during powder handling, due to mechanical impact on surfaces of brittle material or caused by grinding or sawing etc. is a widely known phenomenon. A particular relevant example is in the context of radioactive waste. For transport or storage, low and medium level radioactive waste (solid as well as liquid) is frequently incorporated in cement. The accidental release of radioactivity attached to airborne particles from the cemented packages due to mechanical impact and the breakage of the blocks is an important aspect in safety analysis.