University of Maryland Baltimore
University of Maryland, Baltimore

home > radionuclides > carbon
Environmental Health and Safety
EHS Building


Related:
ALARA
Closeout Procedures
Dosimetry
Emergency Procedures
Forms
Laser Safety
Material Authorizations
Material Procurement
Policies and Procedures
Radionuclides
Safety Inspections
Safety Training
Sealed Sources
Waste Disposal
Worker Registry

Contact:
Environmental Health
  and Safety
714 W. Lombard Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-706-7055
Fax 410-706-8212

 
Carbon-14

Physical Data:

  Pure Beta Emitter

  • Beta Energy
156.5 keV (max.)
49.47 keV (avg.)
  • Radioactive Half Life
  • Biological Half Life
  • Effective Half Life
  • Max. beta range in air
  • Max. beta range in water
  • Max. beta range in plastic
5730 years
12 days
40 days (unbound) 12 days (bound)
21.9 cm
0.28 mm
0.25 mm

Radiological Data:

  • 1% of beta particles energy transmitted through dead layer of skin
  • Critical organ: fat tissue
  • Internal exposure is primary concern

Shielding:

  • None required (plastic can be used for beta removal)

Survey Instrumentation:

  • Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC)
    • LS window:  0 to 670
    • LS efficiency:  96%
  • Thin window G-M survey meter

Regulatory Compliance:

  • ALI
2400 µCi: (by ingestion)
2000 µCi:  (by inhalation)
  • DAC
1 x 10 -6 µCi/mL

Special Considerations:
There is a possibility that some organic compounds can be absorbed through gloves.  Care needs to be taken not to generate carbon dioxide which could be inhaled.  Urinalysis is recommended after a spill or suspected intake.

top