HP-28: P-33
Introduction
Phosphorus-33 is becoming more commonly used radionuclide with a half-life of 25.4 days, emitting only beta particles with a maximum energy of 0.249 MeV and an average energy of 0.083 MeV. The beta particles from P-33 travel a maximum of 46 cm in air.
Concerns
The major concern with using P-33 is that it cannot be easily monitored during its use, therefore, special precautions are needed to keep the work environment clean. The regular use of wipe testing is the only way to insure that your work space is not contaminated. Contamination on the skin will not likely cause a significant dose to the dead layer of skin, however, it could lead to the internal absorption of P-33. The maximum permissible body burden to the whole body is 3 mCi.