Iron-59 (Fe-59) - doe-hdbk-1106-97

DOE-HDBK-1106-97

IRON-59 (Fe-59)

Iron-59 is a beta and gamma emitter that can create an external, an internal, and skin and eye

hazard. Iron- 59 is detected with a thin-window end window G-M probe, solid scintillator, or

liquid scintillation counter.

1. Maximum beta energies:

0.466 MeV, average energy is 0.155 MeV.

0.273 MeV, average energy is 0.091 MeV.

0.131 MeV, average energy is 0.044 MeV.

2. Gamma energies:

1.292 MeV.

1.099 MeV.

0.192 MeV.

0.143 MeV.

3. Maximum range in air of beta: 45 inches (115 cm).

4. Unshielded dose rate from 1 mCi point source at 1/2 inch (1 cm): 6.18 rad/hr.

5. IAEA toxicity classification: Medium-high.

6. Physical half-life: 44.6 days.

7. Effective half-life (Teff): 42 days.

8. Critical organ:

Liver and spleen for inhalation.

Lower large intestine for ingestion.