The following information was provided by the
New York State Department of Health (
NYSDOH) via email:
NYSDOH Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection (BERP) received an email from the radiation safety officer (RSO) of NYSDOH Wadsworth laboratories on August 12, 2024, to report a leaking Ni-63 electron capture device (ECD) contained within a decommissioned gas chromatograph. This sample was collected on August 6, 2024, and was analyzed (and quality control tested) following collection.
Device Make: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Device Model: 19233
Device Serial Number: L2075
Isotopes: Ni-63 (18 mCi at time of manufacture)
NYSDOH Wadsworth laboratory staff were conducting a leak test and wipe of a decommissioned gas chromatography unit that had not been used for over 20 years. The ECD housing within the unit did have removable contamination detected at 30,000 disintegrations per minute (approximately 0.015 micro Ci) when analyzed using a liquid scintillation counter. The gas chromatograph was isolated, and an enhanced survey showed that the gas chromatograph chamber (which sits below the ECD housing) had removable contamination consistent with the ECD housing. Other areas of the gas chromatograph were surveyed and showed levels indistinguishable from background. Furthermore, checks of areas around the gas chromatograph were surveyed as well as personnel and personal protective equipment and no levels exceeding background were discovered. The extent of contamination appears to be isolated to the open port of the ECD, which has been sealed.
The entire gas chromatograph is isolated pending disposal. NYSDOH Wadsworth staff contacted the RSO for Agilent [Technologies] and confirmed that the device may be sent to them for disposal.
The cause of this leaking source is unknown as the device had been removed from service for several decades. Routine surveys have indicated that the extent of contamination was localized to areas of the chromatograph that would not be touched or in contact with any laboratory equipment or personnel.
NYSDOH BERP is actively monitoring this event under Incident No. 1497. Additional information will be provided to the Nuclear Material Events Database (NMED) once available.
Event Report ID No. NY-24-08
NYSDOH Incident Number: 1497