From:
Harry J. Elston <harry**At_Symbol_Here**MIDWESTCHEMSAFETY.COM>
Subject:
Re: [DCHAS-L] Radioactivity testing
Date:
Dec 19, 2022 16:29 UTC
Reply-To:
ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU>
Message-ID:
<CAJ2hcfdGPxVG+AEHzb7GEbr6BQRFAq0VixWGoW5vL+VQQ1XVgw**At_Symbol_Here**mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:
<8032F253-B1DF-43BC-B101-359F3AC6C9D5**At_Symbol_Here**princeton.edu>
Janine
Just about anyone with a calibrated gas proportional counter can provide an analysis. If you need a "certified" analysis then look for a state lab that does drinking water testing for radium, as many GPCs are calibrated against Th-232. Robin mentioned Gel, but Pace and the Wisconsin State lab can also provide this kind of testing. Since you know it's thorium, ask for a "gross alpha" test to do it on the cheap. There may be some challenges in actually getting the sample to the lab, though.
Also, if this is for waste purposes, why not just call it "mixed radioactive waste" and dispose of it appropriately that way? If you know the molarity of the solution and the quantity, you can roughly calculate the activity in it, since thorium has a gazillion year half life. (Well, maybe not a gazillion, but 14 billion years is close enough.)
Best,
Hi Janine,
Gel Laboratories offers radiochemistry analysis. https://www.gel.com/laboratories/services/radiochemistry-analysis
If you can provide more context about the request, I may be able to give additional advice. For instance, if it is for waste disposal, Ecology Services or other vendors may be able to help. Some states have a list of labs that can provide certified analysis.
Best,
Robin
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Assistant Vice President
Environmental Health and Safety
Princeton University
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she/her/hers
On 12/19/22, 11:07 AM, "ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety on behalf of CHAS membership" <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU on behalf of membership**At_Symbol_Here**DCHAS.ORG> wrote:
From: Janine Rhodes <janine**At_Symbol_Here**taylortechnologies.com>
Digest topic: Radioactivity testing
My laboratory uses a dilute aqueous solution of Thorium nitrate in one of its processes. Thorium nitrate is considered weakly radioactive. A request has been made for us to obtain information regarding the specific radioactivity of the solution. Does anyone know of a laboratory that will perform certified radioactivity testing? We have been unable to find a laboratory to help us!
Thank you for any help you can provide!
Janine
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++++++
Harry J. Elston, Ph.D., CIH, PMP
Principal, Midwest Chemical Safety, LLC
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