Re: K-40 [KCl] Thread Addendum

[RadiumProj@cs.com]

In a message dated 4/6/00 9:06:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time, RadiumProj@cs.com 
writes:

<< Radsafers:
 
 FYI. On the subject of interesting sidelights related to K-40 is the issue 
of 
 KCl salt "Quickmelt" commonly sold each winter in bulk 50 pound containers 
 anywhere in the Northern US. 
 
 KCl has a K content of about 500 g/kg and a K-40 concentration of over 
 400,000 pCi/kg  of KCl. Do the math. Years ago after seeing a display of KCl 
 next to the checkout counter at a local Sams' Club consisting of a palet of 
 KCl containers [50 pounds each] about 10 deep by 7 wide by 5 high [7945 kg], 
 I did a quick calculation that indicated a gamma dose rate from K-40 photon 
 flux would be  about  0.2 mR/hr in the middle of the display. >>
==============
Radsafers:

I was in Home Depot today looking for a plumbing part shortly after posting 
the above.  Coincidentally, I found myself standing in front of a palet of 40 
pound bags of KCl water softener [approximately 100 bags by a quick count = 2 
tons].  If I had a DigiDose meter, I would have seen a background dose rate 
approximately 10 times background from gamma flux, similar to that seen 9 or 
10 years ago in a Sam's Club from KCl quick melt salt. There's a lot of KCl 
in commerce and a number of interesting situations involving elevated dose to 
the general public.  Interesting.

Stewart Farber, MS Public Health
172 Old Orchard Way
Warren, VT 05674
email: radiumproj@cs.com
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