RE: Cerium Compounds

[Don Munroe <don@ehs.ufl.edu>]

Speaking of cerium, I have a very old container of cerium oxide which is
mildly radioactive.  I have not run a gamma scan on it yet and have
wondered what radionuclide is emitting the gamma radiation I am
detecting outside of the metal can.  This material was manufactured by
the Optical Equipment Company in CA.  Any ideas??

		-----Original Message-----
		From:	Jerry Bonanno [mailto:jbonanno@REHS.rutgers.edu]
		Sent:	Monday, April 27, 1998 10:05 AM
		To:	Multiple recipients of list
		Subject:	Cerium Compounds

		Radsafers,

		I have two very old cerium compounds (Cerium Oxalate and
Potassium 
		Hexanitrato Cerate) which I would like to dispose of.  I
am trying to 
		identify  any chemical hazard characteristics that might
cause these 
		materials to be regulated under RCRA.  These chemicals
are not 
		specifically listed in 40.CFR 261.  The chemicals are in
powder form. 
		 
		I have searched all of the internet sources, that I know
of, for MSDS 
		and product information on these chemicals and have come
up with 
		nothing.  

		Does anyone know of any hazards associated with these 
		chemicals that would  cause them to meet any of the four
hazard 
		characteristics described  in 40 CFR Subpart C? 

		Jerry Bonanno
		Health/Safety Specialist
		Rutgers University
		Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety
		jbonanno@rehs.rutgers.edu