Radiation Safety

Radioactive materials are substances that emit radiation. They consist of atoms with unstable nuclei, called radionuclides, which undergo radioactive decay by emitting gamma rays and/or subatomic particles in an attempt to gain stability. Radioactive materials may occur naturally or they can be artificially produced.

In research, familiar elements important in biological, chemical or ecological processes, such as carbon or hydrogen, can be replaced by radioactive nuclides of the same element. The radioactive nuclide can then be easily “traced” using a radiation detector.

Labs using radioactive materials for research have signs on the door, as shown at left. Benches, sinks, waste cans, fume hoods and other equipment used with radioactive materials are also labeled with this symbol. Check with DRS before working on such equipment.

Radioactive materials are carefully controlled to prevent radioactive contamination. Contamination is radioactive material where it is not wanted.

To prevent the spread of contamination, do not touch areas and equipment with radioactive material labels.

Radioactive contaminated waste is placed in plastic bags and marked as radioactive material. Non-contaminated lab waste is disposed in “ordinary” waste containers. Do not empty waste containers that are labeled as radioactive material.

Additional information about radioactive materials and radiation safety can be found on the Division of Research Safety website at: www.drs.uiuc.edu/rss/materials.

A researcher checks for radioactive contamination in a research lab.