[ RadSafe ] Impact of fossil fuel emissions on atmospheric radiocarbon and various applications of radiocarbon over this century

[Brennan, Mike (DOH)]

This has already been documented, particularly in areas where a lot of fossil fuel is being burnt.  I remember reading some years ago that trees growing near freeways, particularly near place where traffic often comes to a halt, have 14C ratios that are thoroughly screwed up.  So the change in ratios won't even be uniform geographically.  

-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu [mailto:radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu] On Behalf Of Cary Renquist
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2015 10:03 AM
To: The International Radiation Protection (Health Physics) MailingList (radsafe at health.phys.iit.edu)
Subject: [ RadSafe ] Impact of fossil fuel emissions on atmospheric radiocarbon and various applications of radiocarbon over this century


Over the next century, fossil fuel emissions will produce a large amount of CO2 with no 14C because fossil fuels have lost all 14C over millions of years of radioactive decay. Atmospheric CO2, and therefore newly produced organic material, will appear as though it has "aged," or lost 14C by decay. By 2050, fresh organic material could have the same 14C/C ratio as samples from 1050, and thus be indistinguishable by radiocarbon dating. Some current applications for 14C may cease to be viable, and other applications will be strongly affected.

http://j.mp/c14dating


Can download article pdf and supporting information pdf here: (probably for a limited, pre-publication, period) http://j.mp/c14datepdf


Cary
--
Cary.renquist at ezag.com

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