🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <s7TFqB10w165w@iowegia.uucp>, quest@iowegia.uucp
(Steve J. Quest) writes:

> steinman@is.morgan.com (Jan Steinman) writes:
> 
> >    >Abstract: Alert!!! some compact flourescent light bulbs have radioactive
> >    >materials in them.
> 
>         Can anyone tell me exactly what radioactive substance is 
> used in these lamps?  I can assume the element is thorium, as that 

Thorium, as this is very efficient at converting heat to white light.
Incandescents use Thoriated Tungsten for the same reason.  Similarly,
gas lantern mantles are "Thoriated" for the same reason.

> is used to "enrich" the electron emission from the cathodes in TV 
> picture tubes.  Please all, keep this in mind- a radioactive 
> element OUTSIDE the body is usually harmless in small amounts.  
> Once inside, the damage begins (so don't munch on your fluorescent 
> tubes)   ;)

If I recall correctly, Thorium is an Alpha emitter.  FAST Alphas have
ranges in air of a few centimeters (after 3-4 cm, you won't be able to
detect them, as most of them have been stopped).

-- 
Charles Scripter   *   cescript@phy.mtu.edu
Dept of Physics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931
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With your one remaining eye, please do NOT look back into the laser