Radiation Safety: Radioisotope Information: PHOSPHORUS - 33 -- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Department of University Safety and Assurances

Radioisotope Information: PHOSPHORUS - 33
(³³P)

Physical Half-life:	25.3 days
Radiations:	^-ß 249keV
External Exposure:	Slight external hazard; 88 mR/hr @ surface of 1 µCi/ml solution
Biological Data:	ALI	6 mCi(ingestion), 8 mCi(inhalation)
	Biological half-life	257 days
	Effective half-life	23 days
	Critical Organs	Bone and whole body
	Bioassay	Urinalysis (Not routinely done)
Shielding:	Plexiglass recommended. Range of ß in air is 20' and 0.02" in lucite.
Monitoring & Efficiency:	LSC (Eff. ~85%) Thin-window GM (Eff. ~20%)

Special Considerations

Mild acids are good decontamination solutions; keep vinegar in your lab.
No additional shielding is needed; it is normally provided with the solution and the apparatus being used.
The 249 keV ßs are able to penetrate the gloves and the outer layer of skin. Monitor your gloves frequently when working.
Wear a radiation badge when handling 1.0 mCi or more vials.

For additional information contact the Radiation Safety Program at 229-4275.

Updated March 4, 2008 by SAK