Re: Mystery Radium device

[Dwnarm <Dwnarm@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-03-11 22:45:46 EST, you write:

<< 
 Having spent over 20 years in the Air Force and responsible for radioactive
material control, the mystery item looks like a self-luminous ripcord for a
parachute - you know, so it can be found during night jumps.
 
 Although the item does not glow now, it probably did when new.  As may or may
not know, these radium self-luminous devices lost their glow after several
years of service because of radiation damage to the phosphor.  Exposing the
item to UV usually causes some glow.
 
 Anyone else from the military community want to give it a try?
  >>

I think we have a winner.  You could probably verify this with a call / fax to
the Army - IOC guys in Rock Island.  If it is a ripcord, they should be able
to arrange for its return to your local AFB for inclusion on their next
Northwest NARM waste run.  It may also make a nice addition to the "display
case"  at your RP Waste Management Section.

Darwin Westlund
NARM Administrator
US Ecology
dwnarm@aol.com