H-3
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Tritium emits a very low energy beta. |
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The beta particle from tritium is so weak, it cannot be detected by our survey meters. Dry paper wipes must be taken and analyzed in a liquid scintillation counter to detect tritium. In a casualty dealing with tritium, visible liquid will be wiped-up and dry wipes taken. The health physics staff will count these to determine if the area can be released or if further decontamination is required. |
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Tritium compounds can be absorbed through the skin. Gloves offer protection from tritium, but should be changed frequently if wetted excessively. Double rubber gloves recommended for spill clean-up. |
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Tritiated DNA precursors are approximately 10 times more hazardous than tritiated water. |
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Tritium spill responses are low hazard. |
C-14
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C-14 emits a low energy beta particle. |
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C-14 can be detected with pancake probe G-M detectors. This makes clean-up easier. Following clean-up, wipe surveys will need to be taken to release the area from controls. |
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Some organic compounds may be absorbed through surgical gloves. Rubber gloves or double surgical gloves are recommended for clean-up. |
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C-14 can be in gaseous form. Avoid generating or inhaling C-14 gas. |
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C-14 spill responses are low hazard. |
S-35
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S-35 emits a low energy beta particle. |
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S-35, like C-14, can be detected with pancake probe G-M detectors. This makes clean-up easier. Following clean-up, wipe surveys will need to be taken to release the area from controls. |
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S-35 can be volatile. Respiratory protection required for emergency response clean-up of S-35. |
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S-35 spill responses are a medium hazard due to the volatility of the radionuclide. |
I-125
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I-125 emits weak gamma and x-rays. These can be adequately shielded with thin lead sheeting. |
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I-125 can barely be detected with a GM detector. Sensitive scintillation detectors will need to be obtained for surveying for I-125. |
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I-125 solutions can be very volatile. Since Iodine accumulates in the thyroid, inhalation of radioactive iodine can cause serious thyroid damage. Respiratory protection is required for I-125 emergency response unless deemed unnecessary by the Radiation Safety Officer (this may be the case for some "chemically bound" forms of the radionuclide in solution). |
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Iodo-compounds can penetrate surgical gloves. Two pairs of polythene alternatives should be worn. |
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If possible, spills should be stabilized with alkaline sodium thiosulphate solution prior to decon. |
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I-125 responses should be considered a relatively high risk due to the volatility of the radionuclide and its affinity for the thyroid. In the event that an uptake of radioactive iodine is suspected, potassium iodate (170 mg) or potassium iodide (130 mg) may be administered to block (or fill-up) the thyroid to lower the dose received. |
P-32
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P-32 emits a high energy beta. |
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P-32 beta particles should be shielded with approximately 1/2" of Plexiglas. |
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Handling P-32 can result in measurable doses, especially to the extremities. Good dose reduction techniques - time, distance, shielding - should be used to limit doses to as low as reasonably achievable. |
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P-32 spill responses are a moderate hazard due to the high energy beta. |
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Controls similar to above - generally less hazardous. |
