Re: Volatility of I-131 NaI

["Otto G. Raabe" <ograabe@ucdavis.edu>]

September 15, 1999
Davis, CA

Carol has given a very complete reply concerning the volatility of
radioiodine in the chemical form of NaI. The underlying issue that she
notes is aqueous solution pH. 

Although, NaI is not itself volatile, HI is quite volatile. Hence, the
presence of hydrogen ions in aqueous solution will lead to the formation
and release to the air of highly volatile HI. Of course, keeping the pH
high will tend to deter the formation of HI; so, maintaining alkaline
conditions is important. 

Otto

		*****************************************************
		Prof. Otto G. Raabe, Ph.D., CHP
              Institute of Toxicology & Environmental Health (ITEH)
		   (Street address: Building 3792, Old Davis Road)
		University of California, Davis, CA 95616
		Phone: 530-752-7754  FAX: 530-758-6140
		E-mail ograabe@ucdavis.edu
              *****************************************************
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