In a Boiling Water Reactor, N-16 causes elevated dose rates in the Turbine Building.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Not sure

Answer: (A)

Activation of coolant in the core produces N-16, a short‑lived isotope that emits high‑energy gamma rays when it decays. In a Boiling Water Reactor, the water boils in the core and the steam that drives the turbine comes directly from the reactor. This means activated material, including N-16 formed in the coolant, is carried with the steam into the Turbine Building. Because N-16 decays with a half-life of about 7 seconds and emits strong gamma radiation, these gammas raise the external dose rates in the Turbine Building while the plant is operating. The dose rates drop quickly after shutdown as N-16 decays away. So the statement is true: N-16 causes elevated dose rates in the Turbine Building.