RE: Tritium in freezers.

["dominic a versage" <DAV1@cornell.edu>]

In message Fri, 25 Aug 95 13:47:05 -0500,
  "Eric J. Boeldt" <ejb6@email.psu.edu>  writes:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric,

     I have encountered this problem a few times over the years.  It happens
when storing, principly, tritiated water.  And it has occured in both frost
and frost-free freezers.

  (I have frequently had difficulties containing tritiated water; even with
   tripple containment.)

     The tritium seems to hide in the plastic wall of freezers.

> 2.  Does anyone know a decontamination method?

     The decon system which I developed is simple.  I unplug the freezer,
remove all contents, and leave the freezer door opened with the opening
facing a fume hood at a spacing of 1 foot or so .  I leave it for about 2
weeks; enough time for the tritium to "off gas".   The time may not be
critical, but do not be in a hurry.

     Give it a try.  Let me know if it works for you.

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Dominic A. Versage
Radiation Safety Specialist
Laboratory & Radiation Safety Section
Department of Environmental Health & Safety
Cornell University
125 Humphryes Service Building
Ithaca, NY 14853
607 255-7397        Fax 607 255-8267       dav1@cornell.edu
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+