9.1 Appendix 1 - Common Radiation Sources

Radiation is more common than you think!

Here is a list of examples that might turn up in your use of your Isotope Identifier:

NORM - Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials:

Non Food Items -

  • Porcelain Bathroom Fixtures - Th
  • Welding Rods - Th
  • Fertilizer - K
  • Tiles - Ceramics - Th / U
  • Heating Elements - Th
  • Gas Lantern Mantels - Th
  • Cinder Blocks - U

Food Items

  • Salt Substitute - K
  • Lean Beef - K
  • Bananas - K
  • Dry Cocoa Powder - K
  • Brazilian Nuts - Ra
  • Milk - K
  • Many Green Vegetables - K


Medical and Industrial Radiation Source Examples:

Industrial Gamma-Ray and Neutron Sources

  • 60Co - Radiography (Gamma)
  • 192IR - Radiography (Gamma)
  • 90Sr - RTG (Beta)
  • 252Cf - NAA, Well Logging (Neutron)
  • 241Am/Be - Soil Moisture Gauge (Neutron)


Medical Gamma Ray Sources*

  • 99mTc - Imaging
  • 201Tl - Cardiac, Perfusion
  • 131I - Thyroid
  • 125I - Blood, Plasma Volume
  • 67Ga - Tumor, Imaging
  • 51Cr - Blood, Red Cell Volume
  • 133Xe - Lung, Ventilation
  • 89Sr - Therapy, Bone Pain

*Many additional types exist

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