Physical Data
- Radiation: Beta (100 % abundance)
- Energy: Max: 156 keV; Average: 49 keV
Half-Life
- Physical: 5730 years
- Biological: 12 days
- Effective: Bound - 12 days; unbound; 40 days
Range
- 24 cm in air unshielded
External Hazard
- Not an external Hazard
Internal Hazard
- Critical Organ: Fat tissue
Skin & Eye Hazard
- Can deliver a contact dose to basal skin cells and eye lens of about 1,400 mrem/hour per 1 uCi per 1 cm2.
Safety Guidelines
- Plexiglas 1 cm thick is recommended as shielding material. Thinner Plexiglas, although adequate to reduce exposure, does not have good mechanical properties.
- Dosimeters cannot detect C-14 beta radiation due to its low energy.
- Wear a lab coat and disposable gloves when working with C-14. Change gloves frequently.
- Avoid direct eye contact - work behind a Plexiglas shield or wear safety glasses.
- 14C-labeled halogenated acids may be incorporated into the skin.
- Procedures involving the release of 14C-labeled CO2 must be conducted in a fume hood or within a sealed chamber vented to a suitable filter trap. Contact EHS at 335-8501 for further information.
updated 01/2013