RE: C-14 Bioassay

["Dunn, Wes" <WDunn@intiso.com>]

Bioassay requirements should be built from the end result: what are your
"action" and "investigation" levels?  There is a major difference in
attempting to find 10% of the ALI (the required bioassay level) vs 0.1%.
If one automatically bioassay after any accident that could lead to a
significant uptake, then you look at (1) the potential uptake (based on
chemical and physical form, handling protocols (hood, glovebox, etc...),
amount and frequency of use); (2) the biological and physical decay
functions (what, where, when); and (3) your analysis capability (e.g.,
what can you find?).  From there, you should be able to determine
whether bioassays are necessary and at what frequency.

Note that items such as air monitoring and routine surveys can work
wonders in reducing bioassay requirements. 

Wes

Wesley M. Dunn, CHP, Director, Environmental Health & Safety
International Isotopes, Inc.
3100 Jim Christal Road
Denton, Texas  76207
Wdunn@intiso.com <mailto:Wdunn@intiso.com> 
940-484-9492; 940-484-0877 (fax)