What is the function of a radiation survey meter?

A radiation survey meter is specifically designed to detect and measure ionizing radiation, which includes alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and x-rays. The primary function of this tool is to assess radiation levels in various environments, ensuring safety by identifying hazardous conditions.

The threshold mentioned, hazardous above 2 millirems, highlights the meter's significance in determining exposure levels that could pose a risk to human health. By quantifying radiation exposure, the meter serves vital roles in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and hazardous waste management, enabling users to take appropriate safety measures when necessary.

The other options address related concepts but do not accurately reflect the primary function of the radiation survey meter. For instance, measuring temperature of radioactive materials is a different process that involves thermal analysis rather than radiation measurement. The efficiency of decontamination processes would typically be evaluated through other methods focused on particle or contaminant removal rather than direct radiation measurement. Additionally, while the meter can indirectly assist in proper waste disposal safety assessments, its primary function does not center around measuring radiation emitted specifically during waste disposal activities.