Re: Radioactive gems circulating in Asia?

[LIPTONW@detroitedison.com]

The recent media interest in irradiated gems calls to mind a similar concern 
in the 1960's and 70's over radioactive gold.  (see Richard A Leone, "Contact 
Dermatitis Caused by a Radioactive Gold Ring", Journal of the American Medical 
Association, Vol. 206, No. 9, Nov. 25, 1968, Richard F. Boggs, et. al., 
"Radiological Health Aspects of Spent Radon Seeds", Radiological Health Data 
and Reports, Vol. 10, No. 5, May 1969 and "Skin Lesions and Radioactivity in 
Jewelry", FDA Drug Bulletin, Vol. 11, No. 1, March, 1981)  Gold seeds filled 
with Rn-222 were used as implants for cancer therapy.  Due to the 3.8 day half 
life of the radon, the shelf life of these seeds was short.  This left 
suppliers with surplus seeds.  Apparently, these unused, but expended seeds 
were then sold to jewelers who melted down the gold for reuse.  Unfortunately, 
a typical 1 mCi filling for a gold seed at the time of implanatation left a 
residual Pb-210 activity of 0.5 uCi.  In fact, the seeds often had several 
times this activity at the time of manufacture, resulting in even higher 
residual levels.  This gold was generally used in jewelry repairs, such as 
ring enlargements.  The problem was centered in the Buffalo, NY area.  I have 
never personally seen one of these, although we received media inquiries about 
this and did some investigation.  I'd be interested in hearing from anyone 
with first hand experience in this; especially as to whether these cases are 
still being seen. 
 
The opinions expressed are strictly mine. 
It's not about dose, it's about trust. 
 
Bill Lipton 
liptonw@detroitedison.com