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[Phys-L] Re: Questionable news report



In the Unison plant, a canister exploded or ruptured, releasing Kr-85,
which is a radioactive gas used in making spark gap tubes.

USA Today had a news report with a picture at
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-01-30-building-blast_x.htm

According to the news report: "One person who suffered cuts in the
explosion was taken to a hospital for treatment, and 15 others were
taken to hospitals as a precaution after complaining of being
lightheaded, nauseous, having high-blood pressure or other conditions."

The picture of some of the 30 exposed firefighters being checked for
radioactive contamination on their suits and boots from Kr-85 using a
Ludlum survey meter with a pancake probe is at
http://images.usatoday.com/news/_photos/2006/01/29/in-fla.jpg

Here's an MSDS for the Kr-85 spark gap tube
http://www2.siri.org/msds/f2/cfl/cfldh.html

More info on spark gap tubes is at
http://www.orau.org/ptp/collection/consumer%20products/electrontubes.htm


Rick Strickert
Austin, TX
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