In the early 60's I was sampling a mixture of ammonium and uranium oxides in
a slurry we were circulating through a reactor to make hydrazine for rocket
fuel. I know, it was a bizarre experiment. A valve bellows ruptured and
among other things, I ingested some Strontium-90 and Iodine-135 (I think). I
had to have my thyroid counted three times a week for about six weeks
afterward. The detectors weren't as sensitive in those days and the
measuring head was about six inches in diameter. The test took about 45
minutes during which time that large head was jammed into my neck with my
head held back at a grotesque angle. The result of this incident
(fortunately) was that Strontium and Iodine ingestion can cause a sore neck.
/jim
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of John A. Lind
Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2003 11:59 AM
To: olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [OM] Radioactive glass
At 03:04 AM 8/7/03, you wrote:
>In article , John A. Lind <jlind@xxxxxxxxxxxx> writes
>
>>I'm not that concerned about very low level Alpha-emitters provided
>>they're not emitting anything else (Beta in particular). Alpha particles
>>don't get much farther than the very outer surface of the skin which is
>>already dead anyway.
>You need to revise your radioactive hazard assessment John. Once ingested
>it is the short penetration length of alpha which makes then so
>dangerous. You don't have dead skin cells lining your lungs, for example.
You are quite correct . . . I mixed an example of ingesting a Beta emitter
with non-ingestion of Alpha emitters.
One of the other hazards is isotopes (especially ones with long half-life)
that readily mix into the food chain (e.g., Strontium-90) and then are
ingested as part of food in which it has embedded itself . . . both Alpha
and Beta. Look at a Mendeleevian Table and find what's below the common
elements found in the human body (and other organic material consumed by
humans) that has the same valence. Isotopes of them will generally be used
readily by the body in lieu of what would normally be found.
-- John
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