Health physics practices in laboratories using³H- and¹⁴C-labeled tracers

Abstract

Tritium and¹⁴C are often considered relatively safe radionuclides to handle because their permissible body-burdens are orders of magnitude greater than those for most radionuclides. This is reflected in the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission regulations that do not require a license for the use of amounts up to 1000 μCi of³H and 100 μCi of¹⁴C. Although many tracer studies are performed with much smaller quantities, poor control of even these small amounts can result in contamination, causing an internal radiation hazard or the loss of valuable experimental data. This paper discusses the methods of handling radioactive materials that minimize the risks of contamination, and it emphasizes the needs for proper storage, secondary containers, monitoring air and surfaces, and analysis of bioassay samples for measuring body burdens. The user's responsibilities for licensing, waste disposal and transportation are also included. The authors' experience at a laboratory handling both tracer and curie amounts of¹⁴C and³H required for labeling and synthesizing compounds and methods of accident prevention and decontamination are described.