Re: Th in welding rods

[tdc@ehssun.lbl.gov (Ted M. de Castro)]

>> Wouldn't you have to LOOKING for Th in the first place. If a
>> bioassay is doing gross beta/gamma only then you miss any
>> alpha emitters. I'm not a power reactor HP so I can't say
>> whether a routine alpha urine count is done (can a power
>> HP respond?), but it would seem probable that one would look
>> for what is expected: beta/gamma fission prods.

Well LBL is a multi-purpose lab and since our welders do get into situations 
where there COULD be alpha activity - we do look for that.  I can't say we 
look for Thorium specifically - but if something DID come up that didn't 
make sense - it would be investigated!

>> Could a whole body counter see Th in the amounts that might
>> be expected? Do analysis software include Th in it's library?

Don't know since I don't do the bio assay myself - I am on machine 
radiations.