RE: Neutron Dosimetry

["Rob Gunter" <rgunter@SEC-TN.COM>]

Another point to consider is that if you blow up a AmBe source, you are

likely to dissociate a lot of the Am and Be, thereby diminishing the source

strength.



Rob



Robert J. Gunter, CHP

Operations Support Manager, ETTP

Oak Ridge, TN

rgunter@sec-tn.com

Ph:  (865) 241-9748

Fax: (865) 241-7526

Cell:(865) 556-4380

Pager: (865) 873-0078



-----Original Message-----

From: owner-radsafe-digest@list.vanderbilt.edu

[mailto:owner-radsafe-digest@list.vanderbilt.edu]

Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2003 8:44 AM

To: radsafe-digest@list.vanderbilt.edu

Subject: radsafe-digest V1 #963

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Date: Tue, 2 Dec 2003 22:48:02 -0500

From: "Syd Levine \(AnaLog\)" <AnaLog@logwell.com>

Subject: Neutron Dosimetry



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A fellow posted this on the wireline mailing list, but I think the =

neutron dosimetry sounds screwy.  Can any of you experts shed some light =

on the real dangers of a 20 Ci AmBe source?



"The Americium 241/Be 9 neutron sources are more dangerous than the =

gamma sources.



"The human body shrugs off about 1/2 the absorbed dose of gamma rays in =

a 24 hour period.

The source capsule is about 3/8" dia and about 1/2" long. Not much =

volume for a dirty bomb.



"The 100 curie Cobalt 60 source would give a fatal dose ( LD-80)  in 2.5 =

minutes at 4 inches (Shirt pocket).



"The 20 curie Am 241-Be 9 will give a fatal dose ( LD-80) at 4 inches  =

(Shirt pocket)., in 1.1 minutes.

The Thermal neutrons make the heavier elements ( iron, Calcium, Cobalt ( =

vitamin B-12)  and magnesium radioactive.)

But in either case the prospect of having ones mucous linings ( mouth =

and intestinal tract dissolve and swelling to 2 times ones body size is =

not a great prospect. Finally to die from the inability to absorb =

nutrients and maintain fluid electrolyte balance."



Thanks



Syd H. Levine

AnaLog Services, Inc.

Phone:  270-276-5671

Telefax:  270-276-5588

E-mail:  analog@logwell.com

URL:  www.logwell.com





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