Radioisotope Information: CARBON - 14
(14C)
| Physical Half-life: | 5730 years | |
| Radiations: | -ß 156 keV | |
| External Exposure: | Low energy ß, not external hazard, radiation badge not necessary. | |
| Biological Data: | ALI | 2 mCi |
| Biological half-life | 10 days | |
| Effective half-life | 10 days | |
| Critical Organs | Whole body and fat | |
| Bioassay | Urinalysis | |
| Shielding: | None is recommended. Range of ß in air is 10" and 0.010" in lucite. | |
| Monitoring & Efficiency: |
LSC (Eff. ~85%) Thin-window GM (Eff. ~5%) |
Special Considerations
- Work with volatile forms or procedures that may produce volatile compounds, (i.e., 14CO2), must be done in a fume hood.
- 14C has a long half-life, do not correct for radioactive decay.
- Some 14C labeled compounds may penetrate the skin. Wear two pairs of gloves and change the outer layer frequently.
- Use caution when handling 14C labeled halogenated acids. These penetrate the skin and give high radiation doses.
- Most 14C compounds are rapidly metabolized and exhaled as 14CO2.
- Do not cover the thin-window of your GM survey meter with a cap, plastic or parafilm; they will shield the detector and you will not be able to detect low-energy beta emitters like 14C.
For additional information contact the Radiation Safety Program at 229-4275.
Updated January 28, 2008 by SAK