Hydrogen -3

Physical Characteristics:

• Half-life: 12.3 years
• Emissions: Beta particles with a maximum energy of 18.6 keV and an average energy of 5.7 keV.
• Maximum Range in Air: 4.7 mm in air; 6 mm in tissue.
• Fraction transmitted through the dead layer of the skin: none

Dose:

• Dose rate to the skin at 10 cm: None
• Dose rate to epidermal basal cells from skin contamination of 1 mCi/cm2: None

Shielding:

• Not required because of low energy of the bet

Annual Intake Limits (ALI)

• Ingestion: 8×104 µCi
• Inhalation: 8×104 µCi
• Note: 1.0ALI = 5,000 mrem CEDE

Detection:

• Liquid scintillation counting is the preferred method for detecting H-3. Most G-M detectors will not detect the presence of H-3.
• Whole Body dosimeter: Not required
• Finger dosimeter: Not required

Precautions:
H-3 contamination cannot be detected with a G-M meter, and special precautions are needed to keep the work environment clean. The regular use of wipe testing, using a liquid scintillation counter, is the only way to insure that your work space does not contain contamination.

Waste Disposal: Call radiation saf