NIH incident

["Les Slaback, Health Physics" <SLABACK@micf.nist.gov>]

The NIH P-32 contamination incident is in the news again (Washington Post,
10/10/95).  The highest exposed person, a pregnant scientist, is claiming
underestimation of her exposure and inappropriate pressure to terminate
her pregnancy.
A consultant estimates 9.2 rem to her, 6.4 rem to the fetus.
NIH had initially estimated her uptake at 200-300 microcuries, later raised
this to 600 uCi.  ORNL later assessed it to be 740-820 uCi.
[Note: This is all from the Post]
Recall: P-32 was found in water coolers, 26 people were contaminated, the
pregnant woman was likely exposed via a contaminated sandwich.  There has
been no further reports of the presumed continuing investigation.

SLABACK@MICF.NIST.GOV
   ...a little risk, like a bit of spice, adds flavor to life