Radioactivity Decontamination of Materials Commonly Used as Surfaces in General-Purpose Radioisotope Laboratories

Abstract

In accord with as-low-as-reasonably-achievable and goodmanufacturing-practice concepts, the present study evaluated the efficiency of radioactivity decontamination of materials commonly used in laboratory surfaces and whether solvent spills on these materials affect the findings. Methods: Four materials were evaluated: stainless steel, a surface comprising one-third acrylic resin and two-thirds natural minerals, an epoxy cover, and vinyl-based multipurpose flooring. Radioactive material was eluted from a 99 Mo/ 99m Tc generator, and samples of the surfaces were control-contaminated with 37 MBq (100 μL) of this eluate. The same procedure was repeated with samples of surfaces previously treated with 4 solvents: methanol, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, and ethanol. The wet radioactive contamination was allowed to dry and then was removed with cotton swabs soaked in soapy water. The effectiveness of decontamination was defined as the percentage of activity removed per cotton swab, and the efficacy of decontamination was defined as the total percentage of activity removed, which was obtained by summing the percentages of activity in all the swabs required to complete the decontamination. Results: Decontamination using our protocol was most effective and most efficacious for stainless steel and multipurpose flooring. Moreover, treatment with common organic solvents seemed not to affect the decontamination of these surfaces. Decontamination of the other two materials was less efficient and was interfered with by the organic solvents; there was also great variability in the overall results obtained for these other two materials. Conclusion: In expanding our laboratory, it is possible for us to select those surface materials on which our decontamination protocol works best. Deal ing with open sources of radioactivity in the radiopharmacy is a daily task. For that reason, contamination due to radioactive spills may be as frequent as or more frequent than in other areas of the nuclear medicine department or other radioactive facilities (1). The main consequences of contamination of the radiopharmacy working surfaces are an increase in the radiation exposure of personnel (2,3) and the possibility that their hands, face, and outer clothing will be contaminated (4-6). Furthermore, such external contamination may allow radioactive material to enter the systemic circulation and then be taken up by organs. In addition, the contamination of surfaces is an important issue because it may facilitate cross contamination of reactive products handled in the radiopharmacy. Therefore, contamination constitutes a risk to the health of exposed workers and its removal is the most straightforward approach to reducing such a hazard. Nuclear and health regulations reinforce the requirements for decontamination and cleaning procedures based both on principles of radiation protection, such as ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable), and good manufacturing and laboratory practices (7-12).Several formulations for decontamination are commercially av...

Influence of decontaminating agents and swipe materials on laboratory simulated working surfaces wet spilled with sodium pertechnetate

“…[23] Selected surfaces are stainless steel, used as working benches and sink in nuclear medicine department, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is most commonly used flooring material, Perspex used for many instrument as low attenuating material, e.g., liner of dose calibrator and resin material used as bed material for imaging couch. Separate pieces of 10 × 10 cm clean, dust-free surfaces are used for individual spills.…”

“…Decontamination protocol for radioactive contamination[126] is important for regulatory compliance and maintaining good radiation safety practices in radiopharmacy laboratory, nuclear medicine lab, and radioactive research laboratory. Gurau and Deju[4] performed to evaluate the efficacy of two chemical gel as decontaminating agent (DeconGel11O1, DeconGel 1102) used on dry contamination of 60 Co and 137 Cs radionuclide.…”

A novel application of acrylic resin UV-Curing methodology for Radioactive surface Decontamination

“…Radioactive contamination causes high radiation exposure to the occupational community causing serious health problems related to high radiation exposure (Natalia et al, 2014). Decontamination is the process of removing hazardous materials from situations where they are not needed.…”

Peelable Nanocomposite Coatings: “Eco-Friendly” Tools for the Safe Removal of Radiopharmaceutical Spills or Accidental Contamination of Surfaces in General-Purpose Radioisotope Laboratories

“…Moreover, the contamination of surfaces is a major concern because it may facilitate cross-contamination of the products handled in the radiopharmacy. Hence, contamination represents a severe threat to the health of exposed personnel, and its mitigation is the best straightforward method of minimizing a hazard [6][7][8].…”