Appendix Iv

WORKING WITH RADIATION AND RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS

No scientist worth his title ever exposes himself needlessly to any potential hazards which confront him in his investigations. Thoughtful student scientists also will avoid any unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation, particularly since bad habits acquired while doing student projects may be difficult to overcome later.

Before undertaking experiments with radioactivity, consult your science teacher or project counselor. Any materials to be irradiated should be processed with professional equipment by persons trained and authorized to operate it. Use of radioisotopes, even in quantities exempt from license requirements, usually involves special laboratory facilities, techniques, and instruments, as well as the isotope itself. Make certain that all these will be available to you before you embark on your project.

If possible, conduct all work with radioisotopes under the supervision of a trained, experienced isotope technician. At the very least, familiarize yourself with the specialized handling techniques required (see Experiments with Radioactivity or Laboratory Experiments with Radioisotopes for High School Science Demonstrations, listed in