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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #6014 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Proximity to radioactive persons

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I am currently pregnant and am worried because there has been a contamination of certain planes with polonium-210. I myself did not travel on these planes; however, my father did. What are the risks for me and my baby once coming into contact with my father, if he possibly was exposed to polonium-210?

I will try to explain why you need not be concerned. The risk of radiation is dose dependent. The lower the dose the lower the risk. In the case of polonium-210 you have to ingest (swallow) the polonium for it to be a risk. That is not going to happen when you come in contact with your father. Furthermore, he may not have any polonium on his being and if he did it would be in trace amounts that will not harm you or your growing embryo. Unfortunately, the word radiation is frightening to many people, even when there is no possibility of a dangerous exposure. Furthermore, at 37 weeks of pregnancy your baby is completely formed. You began your pregnancy with a 3% risk for birth defects and that has not changed because of your concern.

Robert Brent MD, PhD

Answer posted on 19 December 2006. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.