shielding for 86-Rb

["Rhonda O'Keefe" <rhonda_okeefe@cambneuro.com>]

    I am not a health physicist, and so am seeking the help of those on this
list who may have experience working with isotopes that are both beta and gamma
emitters.  I would like to know what sort of shielding is appropriate for
someone working with around 1mCi of 86-Rb in a research lab situation.  
    The advice I have been giving is to treat it like a pure beta emitter and
use plexiglass for primary shielding, since most of the emissions are betas. 
However, the user plans to treat it like a gamma emitter and use lead (i.e. lead
shielding around the source, wearing a lead apron).  Is the best solution to use
plexiglass as a primary shield with lead as a secondary shield?  Any help will
be appreciated!

Rhonda O'Keefe
rhonda_okeefe@cambneuro.com