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To: BobS

There is no Pu in that case. Those are shipping labels (Probably a Radioactive Yellow III) and list only the major isotopes. Depleted Uranium decays by gamma and alpha.

Alpha particles (effectively a He nucleus) are stopped short by a short barrier of air, clothing, even dead skin, and are only a hazard if inhaled or ingested (Pay heed Smokers!!!) They are Very damaging to tissue. But the case sheilds the alpha. The gamma from the DU is not. The DU is used to shield the Ir-192 source.

It is ‘non-sensical’ to say that alpha particles can be washed off. They are stopped and by capturing electrons, turn to Helium. It is the Pu or Ur that can be washed off.

Iodine is only required if exposed to radioactive isotyopes of Iodine. The idea is to fill the Thyroid with ‘clean’ iodine so it will not absorb the radioactive type.

Blood transfusions are only required in severe exposures that compromise the blood producing parts of the long bones.

Remember, this device is used, and used Safely at many facilities in a year by trained personnel. The fact that it fell from a truck doesn’t make it malignant or 0evil. It is what it is. As long as the source stayed within the ‘camera’, all is well to people involved.


46 posted on 12/04/2007 7:49:40 PM PST by RoadGumby (Ask me about Ducky)
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To: RoadGumby
As long as the source stayed within the ‘camera’, all is well to people involved.

This thing isn't exactly the 'camera.' It's more like the 'flash.'

&;lt}B^)

60 posted on 12/04/2007 11:49:33 PM PST by Erasmus (My simplifying explanation had the disconcerting side effect of making the subject incomprehensible.)
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To: RoadGumby
I don't think we have a dispute. I should have said traces of plutonium that EMIT alpha particles. I have repaired and calibrated radiac meters designed only for alpha detection. There is an NBS calibrated standard for those. It's a plutonium alloy. Looks like polished silver. You put the probe face on top of the standard and tune as necessary.

Those are the ones you put directly on clothing to look for alpha source contamination. There is a prism inside the handle and a detector and amplifier for the meter that detects the decay you mentioned.

It's not malignant or evil. I did that for 6 years and only got a bad haircut.

97 posted on 12/05/2007 8:18:07 PM PST by BobS (I><P>)
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