Phosphorus-32 (P-32) - doe-hdbk-1106-97

DOE-HDBK-1106-97

PHOSPHORUS-32 (P-32)

Phosphorus-32 is a high-energy beta emitter that may create a whole body, skin, and an eye

hazard. Most common means of detection is with a thin-window probe or liquid scintillation.

1. Maximum energy: 1.71 MeV; the average energy is 0.570 MeV.

2. Maximum range in air: 19 feet (6 m).

3. Maximum range in tissue: 8 mm.

4. IAEA toxicity classification: Medium-low.

5. Physical half-life: 14.29 days.

6. Effective half-life (Teff): 10-14 days.

7. Critical organ:

Bone for transportable compounds.

Lung and lower large intestine are critical organs for inhalation and ingestion,

respectively.

Personnel monitoring: Dosimeter and finger rings, uptakes may be determined by

urinalysis.

ALI:

4mCi (1 x 107 Bq) by inhalation, clearance in weeks.

4mCi (1 x 107 Bq) by ingestion.

10. Shielding: 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) of plexiglass (that will shield the beta particles and

minimize the production of bremsstrahlung).