Re: Radioactive gems circulating in Asia?

[Wes Van Pelt <VanPeltW@idt.net>]

Ralph A. Fobair wrote:
> 
> Michael Willamson was right in saying that some gemstones might be legally
> radioactive.  Here is an example of some test lots of white topaz that was
> irradiated for 100 hours.       Activities in Bq/g
> 
>                 Lot #           1A      2B
>                 Ta-182          13      71
>                 Mn-54            5.5    11.3
>                 Sc-46            2.8     8.5
>                 Sb-124           2.1
>                 Cs-134           2
> 
> The above activities were measured several months after irradiation!  In
> the case of lot 2B almost one year would need to pass before the U.S.
> release level of 15 Bq/g would be reached.


Hi Radsafers,

I am curious, which US government agency sets a 15 Bq/g release level
for gems???

Wes
-- 
Wesley R. Van Pelt, Ph.D., CIH, CHP                KF2LG
President, Van Pelt Associates, Inc.     
Consulting in radiological health and safety.
mailto:VanPeltW@IDT.net        
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