Radioactive Sources for Classroom Use

Disclaimer

Radioactive sources have a shelf life of 18 months, after which they are no longer suitable for experiments. For this reason, we generally do not keep stock of this item.

Product Information

The radioactive sources are securely housed in a 25mm diameter and 5mm thick plastic disc, clearly labelled with the radiation symbol.

Although the radioactivity level is very low, caution is still necessary. It is advisable to avoid prolonged carrying or placing these sources in pockets against the body.

Steps for Safe Handling

These school-grade sources do not require licensing, but careful handling is crucial. To ensure safe usage, please follow these guidelines:

1. Avoid unnecessary handling and refrain from placing the sources in pockets or carry bags.
2. Always use tongs or forceps to handle the sources, keeping them at least 300mm away from your body.
3. Handle alpha sources with extra care to prevent damage to their delicate metallic coating.
4. For alpha sources, a thin aluminium sheet provides sufficient radiation absorption. Beta sources require approximately 4 to 6mm of lead, while gamma sources need about 25mm of lead to absorb 80% of the radiation.

By adhering to these precautions, you can ensure responsible and secure exploration of radioactivity in educational settings.