BNL Deer

["Hooda, Balwan" <bhooda@BNL.GOV>]

Radsafers,

 

The Brookhaven National Laboratory fact sheet associated with the analysis

of meat from white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianous) were as follow:

 

Previously, the concentration of Cs-137 in deer meat (hind portion) on-site

(BNL) and < 1mile offsite for CY 2000 was 1.85 +/- 0.33 pCi/g (average of 40

samples)and 1.63 +/- 0.28 pCi/g (average of 25 samples, CY 2001). The

maximum concentration was 11 pCi/g (one sample in CY 2000).

 

On 2/8/02 there was a 211.9 gram sample ( dry weight) taken from a deer hit

by car on William Floyd Parkway ( which is  <1 mile off site) and counted on

germanium detector for 120 minutes. The wet weight concentration was 21.13

+/- 4.16 pC/g of Cs-137. The sample was recounted three times and reanalysis

could not be performed as no meat was available after the initial sample (it

was off site). The New York Department of Health limit on committed

effective dose equivalent is 10 mrem/ year ( 70 kg individual eating 64 Ibs.

of deer meat), and from this single sample was 30 mrem/yr.

 

So, to keep the regulators and community informed and to foster relationship

there was regularly scheduled meeting on 2/14/02 of laboratory Management

and Community Advisory Council. During this meeting the regulators and

community was informed of the higher concentration in one sample from deer

meat and progress on clean up projects. The Community Advisory Council did

not think it was an issue but the media thought otherwise. All potential

sources of contamination and pathways are being looked at. I hope this helps

to clarify some of your concerns. 



Benny Hooda

Brookhaven National Laboratory

P.O. Box 5000 M/s bldg. 120

Upton, NY 11973



Phone: 631-344-8107

Fax:    631-344-5812

Email: bhooda@bnl.gov 

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