Loyola University of Chicago, a broadscope academic licensee, notified the agency that a package containing two vials of Phosphorous-32 was found to contain levels of removable P-32 contamination in excess of the regulatory limits. The package was received on Friday, March 5, 2004 and surveyed on Tuesday, March 9. 315,000 dpm/100 square centimeters was measured using a pancake probe. A swipe of an area on the exterior surface of the package was found to contain 26,000 dpm/100 square centimeters. This exceeds the maximum allowable level of 22,000 dpm/100 sq centimeters removable contamination. Further examination of the package revealed that contamination was also found on a plastic bag containing an inner container and the vials of liquid P-32 (1 vial contained 500 microcuries, the other 250 microcuries) and on the exterior surface of the inner plastic container. The contamination measured on the items on the interior of the package ranged from a maximum of 4,700 dpm to 120 dpm/ 100 sq centimeters. However, the interior of the inner container and the exterior surfaces of the vials were not contaminated. The consultant performed surveys of the area where the package was opened and no additional contamination was noted. The shipper was Perkin-Elmer, Boston, MA. The carrier was Airborne Express.
The licensee notified the shipper, Perkin Elmer, and Airborne Express. The Hazmat representative for Airborne Express, contacted the Agency and stated that Airborne Express is currently trying to perform radiation surveys of all ground vehicles and the two planes involved in transport of this package. The package was transferred via Airborne Ground transportation from the Perkin Elmer Boston, MA, facility and transferred to a plane at Boston's airport. It was then flown to the Airborne facility in Wilmington, Ohio. The package was later flown to Chicago O'Hare then transported via Airborne Express Ground vehicle to the Illinois licensee's facility.
The MA radiation control program also contacted the
Illinois radiation control program and discussed this matter. The licensee's consultant is currently conducting additional surveys of the
Illinois facility to see if any additional P-32 contamination can be found. The Agency will also perform independent surveys and an investigation to try to determine the source of contamination."
Illinois report number IL040012.