That pesky plutonium.

["Michael P. Grissom" <MIKEG%SLACVM.bitnet@vmd.cso.uiuc.edu>]

Forwarded-from: MIKEG

1.  I'm sure this is very hypothetical, but I could have stated a
similar case (except for 9 "foils") also used for alpha calibration
curves (portable ZnS scintillation detectors).  The problem with my
hypothetical sources was the complete lack of source calibration
data (definitely non-ANSI sources) which complicate (even though
the "penciled" in count rates appeared to be very accurate) both
use and potential disposal.  Both of these problems are essentially
terminal deficiencies from the standpoint of DOE labs due to the
source certification controversy presently raging through the
complex.

2.  As was originally posted, I am noting another hypothetical
situation at no particular location!
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Date: Tue, 30 Aug 94 17:47:43 -0500
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From: "John DeLaHunt" <jdelahunt@cc.colorado.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
Subject: That pesky plutonium.
X-Listserver-Version: 6.0 -- UNIX ListServer by Anastasios Kotsikonas
X-Comment:  Radiation Safety Distribution List

A sure-fire discussion starter:

Hypothetically, let us presume that a series of alpha detector calibration
standards were uncovered, consisting of several (less than 12) metal foils
doped somehow with plutonium-239.  The total activity of these foils is
less than 2 microcuries.  The facility at which the foils were discovered
has no further use for them.

In the interest of cost-saving, as well as resource conservation, one
wonders what the potential _legal_ market for these foils might be.  While
the disposal cost might be high, relatively speaking, one wonders if it
might be lowered by the potential for re-use at another facility in the
same manner, as an alpha calibration curve.

Anyone want to continue the hypothesis?

John

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