Re: 38,222CPM

[Tony Hedges <thedges1@TWCNY.RR.COM>]

LR,

38,222 CPM (counts per minute) could be caused by a number of things from 

natural to man-made radioactivity. While your meter is indicating 

radioactivity it does not give us any information on what it is causing it. 

Like others have responded, I think you probably have same natural 

radioactivity on your hands. To determine what you have would take more 

sophisticated instrumentation.



As for this being localized to Western NY, you can find this all over the 

world. Natural radioactivity is present in all materials including your 

body (potassium-40).  I wouldn't characterize 38,222 counts per minute as 

hot. I would say it is slightly radioactive. As for precautions I would 

always wash my hands after handling any rocks or foreign materials. The 

rock may contain other chemical contaminants that could cause sickness. An 

example would be lead dust.  Good hygiene is always a good practice at work 

or at home.



As for disposal, I haven't a clue, maybe someone on this list will provide 

info on that. I think it depends on where you found it. Was it on private 

or public property? Government property? Your local health department may 

be able to assist you in disposing of it.



Regards,

Tony



At 11:32 AM 06/11/2003 -0400, NiagaraNet@AOL.COM wrote:



>Hey folks:

>

>Just a quick question; What type of rock would exhibit 38,222CPM?

>Could this be a rock with a vein of ore such as Uranium (any variety)?

>Could this rock be from Western New York State?

>Would this "rock" be considered radioactively "hot" and would it present a

>danger say if handled and then went to lunch without washing ones hands?

>How would I properly dispose of this specimen?

>

>Thanks for your opinions/expertise.

>

>LR (now I'm "masking" my identity:*)

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