Re: Re[2]: NRC Licensing of Am-241

[rkathren@tricity.wsu.edu (Ron L. Kathren)]

Bill --

Thanx for the comment.  I seem to recall in the dim dark past having seen
noticies on smoke detectors that indicated that they should be returned to
the manufacturer.  But then again, I may be in error.  Bu t no matter:
there is a flaw in the regulatory/licensing process for Am-241 that needs to
be corrected, and I challenge the regulators to step up to the plate and
address it.

Ron>
>Not quite, Ron.  The manufacturer has a specific license to manufacture and 
>distribute the devices to persons generally licensed.  And, single smoke 
>detectors may be disposed of via trash to a sanitary landfill.  A dealer, 
>manufacturer, etc., cannot dispose of quantities of these at one time in 
>this manner, however.  At least, this was it the last time I heard.
>
>Bill Spell
>bills@deq.state.la.us
> ----------
>From: radsafe
>To: Multiple recipients of list
>Subject: Re: Re[2]: NRC Licensing of Am-241
>Date: Thursday, October 24, 1996 6:07PM
>
>Steve --
>
>The Am-241 in fire detectors is licensed under the provision of a general
>license issued to the manufacturer.  I think you will find that notice on/in
>your fire detector.  You are supposed to give it back to the manufacturer, I
>think, when you get rid of the fire detector.  What all this is pointing out
>is that perhaps the licensing process needs a bit of amendment.
>
>Ron
>
>>     If any amount of Am-241 must be licensed, why can/do I have 50+ uCi of 
>
>>     it at home (several smoke detectors) without a license or any controls 
>
>>     of any kind on it? Just curious what _regulatory_ basis there is for
>>     this?
>>
>>     Steven D. Rima, CHP
>>     President, DATUM Enterprises, LC
>>     sdrima@aol.com
>>     or
>>     Steven_Rima_at_DOEGJPO@gjpomail.doegjpo.com
>>
>>     *** no disclaimers needed - I work for myself! ***
>>
>>
>>______________________________ Reply Separator
>_________________________________
>>Subject: Re: NRC Licensing of Am-241
>>Author:  radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu at INTERNET
>>Date:    10/24/96 3:10 PM
>>
>>
>>
>>The answer is: Yep.  Any amount of Am-241 must be licensed.  However,
>>you'll also note that there are (admittedly small) effluent release
>>limits in 10 CFR 20 App B.  So you don't have to have a license if
>>you find some trace levels in your air and/or water.  But you can't
>>transfer or receive it without the license.
>>
>>Wes
>>
>>>Can anyone tell me why Americium-241 is not listed in 10CFR30.71, Schedule
>B?
>>>
>>>I know that it is mentioned in 30.15 at 0.05 microcuries for sources in
>>>ionizing radiation measureing instruments.
>>>
>>>Since it's not listed, does this mean that "ANY" amount of Am-241 must be
>>>licensed by the NRC?
>>>
>>>**************************** /^\   /^\ *********************************
>>>Tad  Blanchard              /__ \ /___\    NASA-Goddard Space Flt Ctr
>>>Nat'l Health Svc, Inc            O             Greenbelt, Maryland
>>>Sr Health Physics Tech          / \            Phone: 301-286-9157
>>>                               /___\           Fax:   301-286-1618
>>>                  Tad.M.Blanchard.1@GSFC.NASA.gov
>>>************************************************************************
>>
>>*********************************************************************
>>Wesley M. Dunn, CHP                        512-834-6688
>>Deputy Director, Licensing                 512-834-6690 (fax)
>>(Texas) Bureau of Radiation Control        wdunn@brc1.tdh.state.tx.us
>>*********************************************************************
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>