Re: I-131 procedure bioassay requirement

["Mike Bohan" <mike.bohan@yale.edu>]

        Reply to:   RE>>I-131 procedure bioassay requirement

Hi Bill & Radsafers:

What evidence, other than the bioassay result, do you have to prove the worker's
exposure was due to inhalation?  In my experience, working with I-131 capsules
for 12 years and I-131 liquids for 6 years prior to that, is that most of these
contamination incidents were due to sloppy handling techniques.   Did you survey
the techs hands upon discovery of the thyroid uptake?  

Many people falsely assume capsules are sealed sources and handle them and the
associated lead shields WITHOUT gloves!  

I believe this scenario was the true cause of the contamination which was cited
in the paper mentioned previously in the July 1985 Health Physics.  The NRC used
this incident to require bioassays for capsule administrations.  

I believe proper training is necessary to prevent these events... bioassays only
tell you how bad your training and compliance with that training is.

Just my $0.02 worth.

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Michael J. Bohan, RSO   |  e-mail: mike.bohan@yale.edu
Yale-New Haven Hospital |    Tele: (203) 785-2950
Radiological Physics    |     FAX: (203) 737-4252
20 York St. - WWW 204   |    As usual, everything I say may be plausibly
New Haven, CT    06504  |    denied at my employer's convenience ...
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