[Rockhounds] care of radioactive specimens

[Kreigh Tomaszewski]

Alan,

An excellent introduction to collecting radioactive minerals safely can
be found at http://www.crscientific.com/radiation.html. An alternative
is http://www.uraniumminerals.com/Notes/Handling.htm.

I would emphasize that you need to take good precautions against
accidental ingestion/inhalation of radioactive material. Wash up
immediately after handling a radioactive specimen -- before you have an
opportunity to touch something else and leave residue that you could
later pick up accidently. 

Don't do something foolish with your specimens that creates dust. Kids,
pets, and ignorant adults need barriers or close supervision.

Know what you have and how radioactive it is. Remember that radation
dangers are cumulative over time.

Kreigh


Alan Goldstein wrote:
> 
> A question from a friend of mine who is a museum curator:
> 
> Do you know of any good reference materials on the care of radioactive geologic specimens?   Anything,... books, articles,... especially something covering the basics.
> 
> I will forward any answers to him.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Alan
> 
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