RADIOACTIVE GOODS

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27751, 31 August 1955, Page 11

RADIOACTIVE GOODS

TWO BRANDS FOUND IN N.Z. “DETECTIVE” WORK BY X-RAY LABORATORY Two brands of commercial preparations containing potentially dangerous amounts of radioactive substances were imported for distribution and sale in New Zealand last year, but they did not reach the public. This is disclosed in the annual report of Mr G. E. Roth, director of the Dominion X-ray and Radium Laboratory. One was a dental preparation and the other a supply of radioactive carbon dioxide bulbs for preparing radioactive water in soda syphons. Some of the other “detective” work of the laboratory is quoted. An overseas journal indicated that a thickness gauge employing a beta-emitting substance had - been installed by a New Zealand firm. The laboratory traced the firm to inform it and the suppliers of the equipment of the provisions of the Radioactive Substances Act. The equipment was inspected and the installation of extra guards recommended.

One hospital was given assistance in searching for 33 milligrams of radium Five days were spent in searching rubbish dumps and drains with highly-sensitive detecting instruments; but it was concluded that the radium had been carried through the outfall of the sewer and was in deep water off the coast. A Christchurch firm discovered two leaking radium plaques among secondhand goods bought from an estate The laboratory assisted in disposing of the plaques and in checking for and removing contamination from the warehouse where part of the contents of the plaques had been spilled, |