LAUSR

The computer code VARSKIN, version 5.3, is widely used to calculate superficial dose caused by the routine handling of radioactive substances or in skin contamination incidents. It allows a variety of source configurations, points, volume, surface and syringe-like (cylindrical) and a variety of exposure situations such as direct skin contact or exposure through clothing. However, there is a need for more benchmarking data of VARSKIN, especially for beta particles, with complex irradiation geometries. Dose calculations using MCNP5 and VARSKIN 5.3 for a variety of mass-less point beta-emitting sources were performed. Both programs gave comparable results that are in good agreement with published dose rate conversion factors for sources on contact with the skin or with fabric. However, important differences appear, with VARSKIN 5.3 values as much as 40% below the Monte Carlo results, when an air gap of a few mm is introduced between the fabric and skin.