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Sulfur-35 (35S)

Physical Data:

  Pure Beta Emitter

  • Beta Energy
166.8 keV (max.)
48.63 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
87.51 days
90 days
44.3 days (bone) 13.5 days (whole body)
0.32 mm 
10.2 in
0.25 mm

Radiological Data:

  • 12% of beta particles energy transmitted through dead layer of skin
  • Critical organ:  male gonads
  • Internal exposure through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption are primary concerns
  • Dose rate to basal cells from skin contamination - 1040 mr/hr per µCi per cm2

Shielding:

  • None required

Survey Instrumentation:

  • Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC)
    • LS window:  0 to 700
    • LS efficiency:  97%
  • Thin window G-M survey meter

Regulatory Compliance:

  • ALI
1 x 104 µCi: (by ingestion)
6 x 10-6  µCi:  (by inhalation)
  • DAC
2 x 10 -8 µCi/mL

Special Considerations:
Note that organic compounds are often strongly retained and no limits of exposure have been set for them.  Care also needs to be taken not to generate sulphur dioxide or hydrogen sulphide which could be inhaled.  Radiodysis of S35 amino acids during storage and use may lead to the release of S35 labeled volatile impurities.  Although the level of these impurities is small, contamination of the internal surfaces of storage and reaction vessels may occur.  Vials should be opened and used in ventilated electrons.

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