#002 Dispose of these legacy sources

1. Homemade (DIY) Protactinium Generators
   Homemade Protactinium generators must be disposed of immediately. There is a risk that the bottle seals could fail, leading to leaks. The bottles often contain concentrated hydrochloric acid combined with a uranium compound (Uranyl Nitrate), which can cause significant contamination problems, especially if it seeps into building materials.

2. Radon-220 (Thoron) Generators
   Used in the past for half-life experiments, these generators are no longer suitable for use in schools. They typically contain 20-30g of a Thorium compound, which decays into Radon-220. Over time, the bottles degrade, potentially releasing a radioactive and toxic Thorium powder that emits harmful alpha particles. These generators must be safely removed.

3. Radium Artefacts
   Items such as clocks, timers, and World War II instruments often used radium paint for its glow-in-the-dark properties. The dose rates from such items, especially those from the wartime period, can be dangerously high and should never be kept in schools. Even less active radium dials, like those on wristwatches, pose contamination risks, as the paint can become brittle and flake off.

This is not an exhaustive list—there are many other legacy sources that schools should no longer hold. Schools should consult CLEAPSS L093 for a comprehensive guide and seek advice from their Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) for safe disposal practices.

Our RPS (Schools) training course addresses these issues and more. For further information, please click here. If you require information about RPA services for your school or college, click here.