Gamma radiography with 75Se sources: consequences of a violent fire.
Due to the volatile nature of selenium and selenium dioxide, an important atmospheric dispersion of 75Se can occur in case of a violent fire (>800 degrees C). This type of accident is possible when transporting or using a highly active 75Se source for gamma radiography. The consequences of this dispersion are analyzed. From the point of view of radiological protection, it can be concluded that in radiography the unprotected 75Se sealed sources have to resist for 1 h to a temperature of 1,200 degrees C. If this is not the case, x-ray equipment and 192Ir sources have to be preferred above 75Se sources.
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AV Controlatom, Brussels, Belgium. av.controlatom@aib-vincotte.be
D000328:Adult; D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000009:adverse effects; D005390:Fires; D005720:Gamma Rays / Q000009:adverse effects; D006283:Health Physics; D006801:Humans; D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release / Q000517:prevention & control; D012644:Selenium Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects
D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive; D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes; D012644:Selenium Radioisotopes