Re: Generally Licensed Po-210 Static Eliminators -Reply

[Joel Baumbaugh <baumbaug@nosc.mil>]

	Radsafers,

	I've been following the various processes described/suggested for disposal of old Po-210 static eliminators.  Not quite as fun as the "music theme", but I don't want "you-know-who" to get mad at me...(grin).

	While I'm not suggesting that anyone do the following (in fact I just included some old static eliminators in "my" last Rad-Wst shipment), but - if, by some chance, one HAD an OLD Po-210 source that was essentially 99.999% Pb-206...just "laying around"... Couldn't you just spray-paint the radiation symbol into oblivion and throw the d..n thing away?  All you have is a shiny thing that's got a radiation symbol on it.  I have T-shirts (with radiation symbols on them) and there's probably more radioactivity in the phosphate detergent I wash them in than are in 10 y/o static eliminators.  Aren't we "over-regulating" something simple again?  After all, they ARE Generally Licensed sources.  Weren't they put in that classification for a REASON?  What about the lantern mantles I use for "show and tell".  Can't I throw them in the trash when I'm through with them?  What about the lantern itself (its probably slightly contaminated)???  And my seven y/o daughter, if she handles the mantles or lantern or inhales some of the product, am I going to have to stuff her in a drum as well?



	Just my 2 cents again,


	Joel Baumbaugh
	

Joel T. Baumbaugh, MPH, MHP
baumbaug@nosc.mil
Radiation Safety Officer
SSC San Diego, CA


	NOTE:	The contents of this message have not been reviewed, nor approved by the Federal Government, the U.S. Navy, my bosses or my wife... 


	Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.