Answer to Question #1523 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I am a PhD student and work with ³²P dCTP. I am planning to get pregnant. I read that beta radiation will not harm the baby because it doesn't penetrate the abdominal wall and that the only way to harm the baby is through an internal contamination. Is that correct? I want to know how to avoid becoming internally contaminated.

It is true that external exposure to ³²P cannot harm the developing fetus. If you are using an isotope you should be trained and knowledgeable about avoiding internal exposure to radionuclides. You should wear a film badge or ring badge as well as disposable gloves, not eat in the lab, keep your hands away from your mouth, and wash your hands after taking off the gloves.

Robert L. Brent, MD, PhD

Answer posted on January 14, 2002. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.