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Health physics practices in laboratories using 3 H‐ and 14 C‐labeled tracers
Author(s) -
Berger J. D.,
Cloutier R. J.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
lipids
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.601
H-Index - 120
eISSN - 1558-9307
pISSN - 0024-4201
DOI - 10.1007/bf02531963
Subject(s) - radionuclide , environmental science , human decontamination , contamination , waste management , license , tracer , health physics , radioactive waste , radiation protection , radiochemistry , environmental chemistry , chemistry , engineering , computer science , physics , nuclear physics , ecology , biology , operating system
Tritium and 14 C are often considered relatively safe radionuclides to handle because their permissible body‐burdens are orders of magnitude greater than those for most radionuclides. This is reflected in the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission regulations that do not require a license for the use of amounts up to 1000 μCi of 3 H and 100 μCi of 14 C. Although many tracer studies are performed with much smaller quantities, poor control of even these small amounts can result in contamination, causing an internal radiation hazard or the loss of valuable experimental data. This paper discusses the methods of handling radioactive materials that minimize the risks of contamination, and it emphasizes the needs for proper storage, secondary containers, monitoring air and surfaces, and analysis of bioassay samples for measuring body burdens. The user's responsibilities for licensing, waste disposal and transportation are also included. The authors' experience at a laboratory handling both tracer and curie amounts of 14 C and 3 H required for labeling and synthesizing compounds and methods of accident prevention and decontamination are described.