I-131 question

[Kellyv@aol.com]

We are currently renovating the nuclear medicine department.  The question
concerning the necessity of the fume hood has surfaced.  Is it necessary to
open I-131 CAPSULES under the hood?  (Small department; the hood is no longer
needed for anything else.)  Someone claims to have read that I-131 capsules
should be opened under the hood. Please let me know if you have any
information on this.  

Thanks for your help.

Kelly Vaughn
kellyv@aol.com