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Answer to Question #6110 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Historical Issues/Applications The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
I recently bought an item at a garage sale not knowing what it was. It is almost identical to the Zimmer Radon Generator featured on the Oak Ridge Associated Universities Web site with the exception that mine has inscribed on the bottom "Radium Emanator." Is there any danger to me from handling this item? As soon as I read the bottom I became worried and put it aside. I handled it and the box it came in for about three to five minutes. A
There is no "danger" associated with your handling of this item, but it
is not something that you want to keep. Just as it is unwise to have
unused chemicals (for example, paint solvents) in the house, it is best
not to have radioactive sources even if they do not pose a hazard in
their present condition.
The one shown on the Oak Ridge Associated Universities Web site has had
the radium source removed and properly disposed of. Do not try this
yourself; opening of the device and removal of the radium source is an
operation that should be conducted with great care by qualified persons
to ensure that there are no "surprises" such as contamination or other
radiation hazards.
Your first step should be to contact your state radiation control
program. One of its functions is to assist in these kinds of matters.
Contact information can be found at the Oak Ridge Associated Universities Web site or the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors Web site.
In the meantime, just seal it in a plastic bag.
Paul Frame, PhD, CHP
Answer posted on 7 February 2007. The information and material posted on this Web site 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 Web site. 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.
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