Porcelain Electrical Insulators

[ray ilson <raymond.ilson@UTORONTO.CA>]

Hello Radsafers!



I have received a query about "Canadian Porcelain" electrical insulators

used on high tension electrical distribution power lines. It appears

that they are giving off radiation fields which were detected at the

gate of a waste station. The insulators were manufactured in 1953-1954.



I have not assessed these fields as yet but assume that the radioactive

material is embedded within the porcelain itself rather than being a

result of surface contamination, although both possibilities will be

checked.  



Does anyone have any experience with such materials or could you direct

me to further information?



Many thanks, Ray

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