[ RadSafe ] K-40

[Robert Barish]

As a footnote to the thread on granite, Brazil nuts, etc. the test source that I use for demonstrating the use of a Geiger counter is an ordinary pill bottle containing the usual potassium chloride tablets prescribed as a supplement for patients on antihypertensive medications that include diuretics. A typical 3 cm x 6 cm pill bottle filled with these tablets makes quite an impressive display. Think of the millions of people who are ingesting these little radioactive sources very day! Scary, huh?

Rob Barish, CHP, FAAPM