🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <3361fcd8.3884354@netnews.worldnet.att.net>,
p.charp@worldnet.att.net (pc) wrote:

> Peter MacDowell <malicat@gte.net> wrote:
> 
> snip 
> 
> >From the point of view of toxicity Pu is still one of the most potent 
> >heavy metals - the paper barrier for alpha was a bit misleading to the 
> >public I thought - if that were the case why does everyone "suit" up in 
> >DOE facilities when the deal with Pu - paper suits and paper masks should 
> >just work swell.
> >
> many of those suits are "paper" - tyvek or plasticized paper.  The
> masks are standard respirators used in commercial activities - to keep
> particulate inhalation to a minimum.
> 
> >And it still comes down to what actually is the cause of death with Pu 
> >exposure - toxic chemistry resulting from ionization - the toxicity of 
> >the Pu itself - or radiation poisoning - As I said before there is not a 
> >pathologist in the world that can differentiate between these - they 
> >don't want to deal with the "stuff" at any great length - even in a paper 
> >suit - the cause of death woulod always be accute radiation poisoning - 
> >But NORM results in the same ionizing effect - the ionization of a single 
> >water molecule with resulting peroxides, hydroxides, free radicles, etc. 
> >gives one pause - 
> 
> it's true that one cannot differentiate between radiation induced
> carcinogenesis (especially if it's photon radiation) and chemically
> induced or naturally occurring carcinogenesis.  However, if one were
> to biopsy the tumor perhaps one could link the connections.  I am not
> too sure how feasible this is.
> 
> As for free radicals - these are produced not only by radiation but
> certain foods.  The human body, as well as all oxygen utilizing
> organisms contain mechanisms for protection -  superoxide dismutase,
> catalases, peroxidases, vitamin A and E derived compounds, etc.  Sure,
> any chemical based system can be over-extended.  What is the point on
> NORM - unless it's technological enhanced there is no known problem.
> >
> 
> snip
> 
> pc

In areas of tranferrable contamination, DOE requires one or two sets of
coveralls to be worn (we use tyvek) and appropriate multiple sets of
gloves, boots, hood, etc.  Airborne radioactivity requires a higher level
of protection. In areas where contamination is not expected, gloves, lab
coat, and booties are worn.