[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: Environmental TLDs
Date sent: Fri, 9 Oct 1998 09:21:02 -0500 (CDT)
Send reply to: radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
From: elizabeth_algutifan@wssrap-host.wssrap.com
To: Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
Subject: Environmental TLDs
> Radsafers,
> This is a very non-technical question, but I'll ask anyway:
>
> For those of you who are involved with an environmental TLD program, how do you
> keep the TLDs dry while they are deployed? We currently use small zip lock bags
> to hold the dosimeters and punch a hole into the top opening of the bag to
> attach it to a post (does not compromise integrity of the bag). However, by the
> end of a monitoring quarter, a little water tends to accumulate in the bag
> around the TLD; at the very least, the labels are damp. The label affixed to
> the TLD by the vendor often becomes illegible. Any suggestions? Thanks.
>
Your non-technical question is still appropriate to radiation control. Where
would we be without environmental monitoring?
When you seal the zip lock bag, it contains water vapor in the air inside.
The temperature variations during the monitoring period are guaranteed to
cause condensation on the interior of the bag. Why do you feel you need to
keep the dosimetrs dry? Have you tried just mounting the dosimeters bare to
see if the labels last better?
Some dumb suggestions: Pull a vacuum on the bags after insertion of the
dosimeter. Add a desicant pill (like the pharmacutical pill bottles have in them)
inside the zip lock bag. Use a heat shrink plastic wrap around the dosimeter.
My experience ten (or 15?) years ago was with NSSI's sealed plastic tubes
with S/N's engraved in the black plastic. The tube had a plastic loop/handle
that we used to run a wire through when attaching to posts, fences, etc.
Don't worry about asking non-technical questions...
If Einstein was afraid to ask dumb questions, where would we be today?
( That's dumb to the listener, not dumb to the questioner.)
Clarence W. Dittman, Health Physicist
Radiation Control Program Manager
Texas Department of Health
Public Health Region 7
2408 South 37th Street
Temple, Texas 76504-7168
(254) 778-6744
Fax (254) 778-4066
Clarence.Dittman@tdh.state.tx.us
************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html