Abstract:
Living 4-6 week-aged San Yuan white pigs (Suzhou,China) were used in skin decontamination experiments. Following a standard procedure, SM series of decontamination agents were used for decontamination of liquid nuclides. The results of immediate decontamination were as follows: K (decontamination efficiency) =97. 7% (decontamination factor DF = 43. 5) for 131I;K99% (DF100) for 90Sr/90Y,MFP and U+TRU; K =99. 9% (DF = 1000) for 137Cs.In 3 h-delayed decontamination,DF = 27-67 ( K = 96. 3%-98.5%) for the nuclides mentioned above. When the initiatory MFP contamination increased from 20 to 300 s-1 ?cm-2,the value of DF by immediate decontamination increased from 20 to 173 with the remaining activity not higher than 10 Bq ?cm-2,and no additional decontamination was needed. For radioactive ash contamination of skin,DF = 57-1000 ( K=98. 2% - 99. 9%) in 4 h-delayed decontamination. SM series of decontamination agents are neutral liquid or cream without any irritative effect on skin. They are effective and easy to use in skin decontamination.Keywords:
Human decontamination
Nuclide
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The present study was conducted to investigate the decontamination procedure for the skin contaminated with radioactive materials; those were cobalt-58 (58CoCl2), mangan-54 (54MnCl2) and radioactive CRUD (Chalk River Unidentified Deposit) and the skins of pigs were used. The procedures and materials used for decontamination were as follows: (1) 0.5% Hyamin solution, (2) brushing, (3) acid soap, (4) stripping cream, (5) cosmetic cleansing cream, (6) potassium permanganate and sodium thiosulfate solutions, (7) titanium oxide paste, and (8) their combination. Each procedure was performed for 2min, and repeated twice or 4 times at 15 or 60min after contamination. The residual radioactivity after decontamination procedure was measured with a 2×2 inch NaI (Tl) scintillation detector or a solid state detector. The following sequential procedure was most effective: washing with 0.5% Hyamin solution for 2min, brushing with acid soap, rubbing cosmetic cleansing cream and washing for 2min with tap water. Since this procedure is simple and not irritable, it is appropriate for human skin. The residual activities on the skin after this decontamination were about 20, 20 and 10% for cobalt, mangan and CRUD, respectively. When the decontamination with 0.5% Hyamin solution began within 15min after contanimation, the residual radioactivity was 3% of administered activity, but 60% in the case 60min after contamination. Thus, a noteworthy point for decontamination is to begin as soon as possible.
Human decontamination
Potassium permanganate
Glovebox
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2716 Objectives Handling radioactive material safely is one of the numerous responsibilities of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The volume of unsealed radioactive material handled on a daily basis in Nuclear Medicine increases the chance of skin contamination. Multiple skin decontamination solutions on the market have been tested for effectiveness. However, the testing procedures have not replicated real life scenarios. The purpose of this research was to develop a procedure that would resemble a “real world” work scenario in which skin is contaminated with a small amount of radioactivity, then washed with commercially available radioactive decontamination solutions shortly after contamination. Methods Pig skin, which was rinsed and dried to remove dirt and grime, was contaminated with a random approximated amount of Tc-99m sodium pertechnetate, smeared around with a cotton swab, and allowed to set for one minute. After rinsing the skin with warm water for 30 seconds to remove superficial contamination that did not soak in, it was counted using a Geiger Mueller counter to obtain an initial count. The skin was then washed three separate times, for 30 seconds, using the same decontamination solution. Each solution was tested 5 times. These solutions included: Radiacwash, RPI Lift Away, Bind-It, Dawn dish soap, Hydrogen Peroxide, Technetium Wash, and normal hand soap and water. Results Without rubbing in the contamination or allowing it to sit on the skin too long, it was determined that washing with soap and warm water was equally as effective as using decontamination products. Thinking that different isotopes would yield different results, a few trials utilizing Ga-67 and In-111 were performed and met with similar results. Conclusions Overall, there appear to be no special ingredients in any of the commercially available decontamination solutions that will help remove contamination from an individual’s skin more effectively than regular soap and water. So, from an economic standpoint, don’t waste your money.
Human decontamination
radioactive contamination
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