Kr-85 and DOT Labeling

["Roy A. Parker" <70472.711@CompuServe.COM>]

Department  of   Transportation  defines  radioactive  material  as  any
material  having   a  specific   activity  greater  than  70 Bq per gram
(0.002 microcurie per gram).  10 Gbq (270 mCi) Kr-85 and 6 GBq (162 mCi)
Kr-85m or less is a limited quantity of radioactive material which could
qualify as  an excepted  package that  would not  require  specification
packaging, marking and labeling.
 
I haven't  ran the numbers, but since Kr-85 and Kr-85m are not naturally
occurring I  find it  difficult to  believe there is more than 70 Bq per
gram (0.002 microcurie per gram) in atmospheric krypton.
 
Roy Parker
E-Mail: 70472.711@compuserve.com
Tel: 504-924-1473
Fax: 504-924-4269
 
-------------( Forwarded computer archived letter follows )-------------
    04-Dec-96 11:11 CST
Sb: RE: Kr-85
Fm: "Mcelrath Susan S." > INTERNET:MCELRATHS@rscpo1.wilm.ge.com
 
Our Kr gas supplier sent a notice that some cylinders would require
radioactive labeling due to the inherent Kr-85 content in a cylinder of
"regular" Kr extracted from the atmosphere.  It's over the threshold that
requires labeling per DOT regulations.  This particular gas vendor isn't
worried about radiation exposure (and rightfully so); just complying with
DOT.
 ----------
From: radsafe
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: Kr-85
Date: Wednesday, December 04, 1996 9:38AM
 
Radsafers:
Reading a report from a company that produces specialty gases (e.g., Kr from
the atmosphere via a cryogenic method), they are convinced that they have a
rad problem with Kr-85.  I do not know the basis for their concern. Has
anyone ever heard of a similar situation.
I would appreciate any information you have.
                Joe Bianconi
         Rust Federal Services, Inc.
Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project
     2309 Renard Place SE, Suite 300
          Albuquerque, NM 87106
 505/246-2537 voice        505/766-1813 fax