Answer to Question #947 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

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

My work is associated with experiments and I often use ³²S in the experiments. I plan to get pregnant this year—will the radiation affect the embryo?

Sulfur-32 is a stable isotope of sulfur and is therefore not radioactive. Sulfur-35 is the most commonly used radioactive isotope of sulfur and I assume that is what you are referring to. Sulfur-35 emits a weak beta particle. Accordingly, ³⁵S may pose a health risk (depending on the activity involved) if there is skin contamination or if ³⁵S is ingested/inhaled/injected. For most experimental procedures, ³⁵S poses no risk if handled properly. You are advised to carefully review experimental procedures in order to reduce the possibility of contamination.

If you are planning to become pregnant you should inform your employer in accordance with any institutional policies/procedures. If you elect to continue to work with radioactive material while pregnant you should inform your physician of this fact.

Kenneth L. Mossman

Professor of Health Physics

Director, Office of Radiation Safety

Answer posted on May 30, 2001. 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.