Airborne concentrations of toxic metals resulting from the use of low melting point lead alloys to construct radiotherapy shielding
Determinations of airborne concentrations of lead, cadmium, bismuth, and tin were made above vessels containing a fusible lead alloy (158/sup 0/F melting point) commonly used for construction of radiotherapy blocks. Fume concentrations were determined by collection on a membrane filter and analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Samples were obtained for alloy temperatures of 200/sup 0/, 400/sup 0/, and 600/sup 0/F. In all instances, concentrations were much lower than the applicable occupational limits for continuous exposure. The results of this study indicate that the use of a vented hood as a means of reducing air concentrations of toxic metals above and near vessels containing low temperature melting point lead allows commonly used in construction of radiotherapy shields appears unjustifiable. However, proper handling procedures should be observed to avoid entry into the body via alternate pathways (e.g., ingestion or skin absorption). Transmission data of a non-cadmium containing lead alloy with a melting point of 203/sup 0/F was ascertained and is reported on.
- OSTI ID:
- 5842272
- Journal Information:
- Med. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 8:1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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CHEMICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION SUMMARY REPORT FOR APRIL, MAY, JUNE 1960
Related Subjects
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS//MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
LEAD ALLOYS
BIOLOGICAL SHIELDS
RADIOTHERAPY
HEALTH HAZARDS
BISMUTH
CADMIUM
DESIGN
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
EXTERNAL IRRADIATION
LEAD
MELTING POINTS
SHIELDING MATERIALS
TIN
ALLOYS
ELEMENTS
HAZARDS
IRRADIATION
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
METALS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIOLOGY
SHIELDS
THERAPY
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
TRANSITION TEMPERATURE
550603* - Medicine- External Radiation in Therapy- (1980-)
552000 - Public Health