Re: NIH incident

[mozley@darius.pet.upenn.edu (P. David Mozley, M.D.)]

How much of this water-cooler and sandwich business has been documented as
fact?  The exposed scientist is clearly suffering, but she came across on
the CNN news as suffering from a psychotic disorder.  She was most
believeable when she complained of symptoms that are indicative of brain
dysfunction.

Please state whether the exposure has been proven, or whether it is all
allegation.  Specifically, was P-32 really found in the water system?

Thank you for the information.

David Mozley
U of P in Phili


>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