Re: Commercial Uses of Pm-147

["Charles Meyer" <cmeyer@brc1.tdh.state.tx.us>]

Date:          Wed, 10 Jul 96 11:20:32 -0500
Reply-to:      radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
From:          "Lawrence Burke" <Lawrence_Burke_at_atlas@smtpgate.anl.gov>
To:            Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
Subject:       Commercial Uses of Pm-147

     Fellow Radsafers,
     
     We recently have had a spill in a cold lab where the isotope was 
     identified as pure Pm-147 (microcurie quantities).  This isotope is 
     not part of our normal inventory, except as a minor constituent in 
     fission products.  Does anyone know of commercial products that use 
     this particular isotope?
     
     Lawrence Burke
     Health Physicist
     Argonne National Lab - West
     (208)-533-7078
     (208)-533-7344 Fax
     lawrence.burke@anl.gov

Lawrence,

I have found Pm-147 used with a fluorescing paint in pistol sights ( 
watch out!) :-) in some watches or dials,( although, T1/2 is a little short) 
and in beta gauging devices and other devices where a small source of 
beta radiation was needed.  Short shrift for the god who brought fire 
to us mortals, eh?

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               Russ Meyer                            
               Internet: cmeyer@brc1.tdh.state.tx.us 
               tel: 512/834-6688                                                    
               fax: 512/834-6654
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