Re: Uranyl Acetate

["Ron L. Kathren" <rkathren@beta.tricity.wsu.edu>]

The surface dose rate for metallic uranium and uranium compounds 
(infinite slabs) has been measured and well documented since the 1940's; 
depending on the specific compound, it is approximately 200 mrad/h,
largely (~90%) from beta 
radiation.  This is likely an upper limit on the dose rate since there is 
considerable and rapid attenuation with distance.  Although radioactive, 
depleted U represents a greater chemical hazard than radiological hazard 
when taken into the body.  If we at the U.S. Transuranium and Uranium 
Registries can be of any help to you in evaluating this case, feel free 
to call.

Ron Kathren, USTUR

On Tue, 19 Jul 1994, Ira Schneider wrote:

> Today, an electron microscopist discovered that uranyl acetate contains
> depleted uranium even though it is labeled as rad limited quantity.
> Of course we had no idea he has been working with it since 1965 not
> bothering to wear gloves or working in a hood.  He now wants to know
> the classic question of was he exposed to radiation? 
> 
> I am interested in finding out how other institutions regulate this
> substance with respect to personnel monitoring.  How would one go
> about reconstructing  a dose?  Any good literature out there that I
> could get my hands on.  Any comments would be appreciated.
> 
> Thanks in advance!
> 
> Ira Schneider
> Ischneid@gandalf.rutgers.edu 
>