Calcium-45 (Ca-45) - doe-hdbk-1106-97

DOE-HDBK-1106-97

CALCIUM-45 (Ca-45)

Calcium-45 is a low-energy beta emitter and may be detected with a thin-window probe.

Calcium-45 is commonly used with animal studies.

1. Maximum beta energies: 0.257 MeV (the average energy is 0.086 MeV).

2. Maximum range in air: 20 inches (52 cm).

3. Maximum range in tissue: 0.62mm.

4. IAEA toxicity classification: High.

5. Physical half-life: 163 days.

6. Effective half-life (Teff): 163 days.

7. Critical organ: Bone.

8. Personnel monitoring: Bioassay, initially by urine, later by feces. NOT detected with a

dosimeter (thermoluminescent dosimeter or film).

9. ALI:

0.8 mCi (3 x 107 Bq) by inhalation.

2 mCi (7 x 107 Bq) by ingestion.

10. Shielding: 3mm of plexiglass.

11. Special Considerations:

Detection of Ca-45 by radiation survey instruments requires special care due to the low

efficiency of detection.