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Radiation Risk Communication to the Public
24-27 January 2010
Albuquerque, NM
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Radiation Risk Communication: Issues and Solutions
27-29 January 2010
Albuquerque, NM
21 November 2009

Answer to Question #318 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radiation Workers

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

Q
My wife—six months pregnant—has had her office moved near barrels containing 3H and 14C. How dangerous is this?
A
There is no hazard from the radiation given off by 3H and 14C inside the barrels. These radionuclides are beta emitters that emit very low energies that will not penetrate the barrels. The beta from 3H will not penetrate a sheet of paper. The beta from 14C will not penetrate more than a several sheets of paper. The only potential concern would be release of the materials to the air where they could be inhaled or so that they could contaminate surfaces and subsequently be ingested.

Gen Roessler, PhD
Editor, HPS Web Site
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.
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