Special radiation protection problems connected with the handling of plutonium-238

Special precautions have to be taken in handling 238Pu because of its high specific activity and radiotoxicity. The risk of contamination is the most serious problem presented by this radionuclide. Attention should be given in the first place, therefore, to the quality and reliability of the containment in installations where 238Pu is to be handled. Different technical solutions are proposed here, particularly as regards the selection of equipment. The special irradiation risks connected with 238Pu are due to low-energy electromagnetic radiations (exposure of the hands in particular) and neutrons. The radioprotection monitoring system must be sensitive, and its elements numerous and varied. They must give the alarm very rapidly in order to keep exposure of personnel to a minimum, and any failure in installation containment must be indicated immediately. Special attention should be devoted to the control of atmospheric contamination. In addition to technical advice on the handling of 238Pu, the author makes certain general recommendations for work with radionuclides belonging to the very-high-toxicity group. (author)