Airborne concentrations of toxic metals resulting from the use of low melting point lead alloys to construct radiotherapy shielding
- 1 January 1981
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Medical Physics
- Vol. 8 (1) , 111-114
- https://doi.org/10.1118/1.594917
Abstract
Determinations of airborne concentrations of Pb, Cd, Bi and Sn were made above vessels containing a fusible Pb alloy (158.degree. F melting point) commonly used for construction of radiotherapy blocks. Fume concentrations were determined by collection on a membrane filter and analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Samples were obtained for alloy temperatures of 200, 400 and 600.degree. F. Concentrations were always much lower than the applicable occupational limits for continuous exposure. The use of a vented hood for reducing air concentrations of toxic metals above and near vessels containing low temperature melting point Pb alloys commonly used in construction of radiotherapy shields appears unjustifiable. Proper handling procedures should be observed to avoid entry into the body via alternate pathways (e.g., ingestion or skin absorption). Transmission of a non-Cd containing Pb alloy with a melting point of 203.degree. F is reported.This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: