Common Sense Radiation Protection in the Radiopharmacy: Utilization of Existing Resources

Abstract

A radiopharmacy generates a multitude of radioactive waste products including syringes, gloves, needles, absorbent paper, and expired and unused radiopharmaceuticals. We describe how lead delivery containers furnished by commercial manufacturers can be used to build storage containers for radioactive waste, which can reduce background radiation levels in a radiopharmaceutical manufacturing area. Shields from Squibb generators can be cut and joined to make decay pots, syringe and glove receptables, and vial containers. One-quarter in. sheet lead can be held in place by home-made supports to build side shields for drawing stations. The use of these shielding devices and storage containers has decreased the radiation exposure we receive despite handling multicurie quantities of activity daily.