radiation safety

[dom3mo]

Does anyone have a good site or source that deals with handling alpha emitting radiation sources.

[swansont]

Sealed or unsealed?

 

Sealed alpha sources are relatively safe as long as you don't swallow them. Still, wash your hands, don't eat or put on makeup, etc. when handling the stuff.

 

Unsealed are risky, especially if you can inhale a powder. Even absent that, there's a significant chance of contamination. It's not advised unless you're trained and being monitored, and if you're asking here, I assume you aren't trained.

 

http://www.ehs.washington.edu/rsotrain/sealedsources/workingsafely.shtm

http://www.safety.vanderbilt.edu/resources/radmanual/radiation_manual_4.htm