Re: Household radioactive materials?

[a.zapantis@qut.edu.au (Alex Zapantis)]

>> Don't forget smoke detectors!  They usually
>>have about 1 microcurie of Am-241, and some have up to 5 microcuries.  
><snip>
>
>We had a few old suckers come in with 80 microcuries each!

When I worked for the Queensland Regulatory Authority, we repacked all the
old RS for transport to the new state store. Of the hundreds of old smoke
detectors, about 20 contained 100 microcuries of Ra 226 each!! Almost hot
enough to start a fire (ha ha)

Regards


                I know that you believe you understand what you think I said 
                but I am not sure that what you heard is actually what I meant.

                        Alex Zapantis
                        Radiation Safety Officer                               
                        Queensland University of Technology          
                        Health & Safety Section                             
                        Locked Bag No.2
                        Red Hill Qld 4059
                        AUSTRALIA

                        Ph     : 61 7 864 3566
                        fax     : 61 7 864 3993
                        email  : a.zapantis@qut.edu.au