Storage Conditions:
1.Shielding:
Use appropriate shielding materials to reduce radiation exposure.
Lead containers or bricks are suitable for gamma emitters, while plexiglass or acrylic is effective for beta emitters.
Alpha emitters can be stored in sealed containers as they can be blocked by container walls or even paper.
2.Ventilation:
Store radioactive materials in well-ventilated areas to prevent the buildup of radioactive gases like radon.
3.Segregation:
Store radioactive substances separately from other chemicals in designated areas.
Different types of radioactive materials should be kept separate, clearly labeled, and organized.
4.Restricted Access:
Limit access to storage areas to authorized personnel who have received appropriate training in handling and safety procedures.
5.Monitoring:
Conduct regular radiation monitoring in storage areas to ensure radiation levels remain within acceptable limits.
Precautions:
1.Training:
Ensure personnel handling radioactive materials receive proper training in radiation safety, handling procedures, and emergency response.
2.Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Wear appropriate PPE, such as lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses. Additional protective clothing, like lead aprons, may be necessary for handling gamma emitters.
3.Dosimetry:
Workers should wear dosimeters to monitor radiation exposure levels.
4.Contamination Control:
Cover work surfaces with absorbent, disposable materials to contain spills.
Regular surveys should detect contamination, and proper decontamination procedures should be followed if needed.
5.Waste Disposal:
Segregate, collect, and dispose of radioactive waste according to local regulations and guidelines.
Pharmaceutical Applications:
1.Diagnostic Imaging:
Radioisotopes like technetium-99m and fluorine-18 are used as tracers in imaging techniques such as SPECT and PET scans.
2.Radiation Therapy:
Radioisotopes like iodine-131 and yttrium-90 are used to treat cancer by delivering targeted radiation to malignant cells.
3.Radiopharmaceuticals:
Drugs containing radioactive substances used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, requiring strict manufacturing and regulatory control to ensure quality, safety, and efficacy.