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Related Experiment Videos

Radioactivity in cathode ray tubes.

Nancy P Kirner1, G L Troyer, R A Jones

  • 1Kirner Consulting, Inc., Tacoma, WA, USA. Kirner@harbornet.com

Health Physics
|January 28, 2004
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Radioactivity from naturally occurring radioactive materials is present in 100% of surveyed cathode ray tube computer monitors and televisions. This radioactivity is incorporated during manufacturing and is not easily removed.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Materials Science
  • Radiation Safety

Background:

  • Used computer equipment surveys revealed radioactivity significantly above background levels.
  • Radioactivity was found on the cathode ray tube (CRT) face, edges, and seals, often not amenable to decontamination.
  • Similar findings in monitors not exposed to contamination zones and in new televisions indicate radioactivity is inherent to the devices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and quantify radioactivity in cathode ray tube (CRT) computer monitors and televisions.
  • To identify the source and nature of the radioactivity detected.
  • To propose a method for the safe release of electronic equipment containing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs).

Main Methods:

  • Radioactivity surveys of used and new computer monitors and televisions.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Gamma spectroscopy analysis to identify radioactive isotopes.
  • Assessment of decontamination effectiveness.

    • Main Results:

    • 100% of surveyed CRT monitors exhibited radioactivity significantly above background.
    • The primary radioactive presence was on the CRT face, with hot spots on edges and seals.
    • Gamma spectroscopy identified naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) as the source.
    • Previous literature often overlooked NORMs in CRTs due to focus on energized, low-energy X-rays.

    Conclusions:

    • Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) are integral to the manufacturing of cathode ray tubes (CRTs) in monitors and televisions.
    • The radioactivity is persistent and not easily decontaminated.
    • A method for the safe release of existing electronic equipment containing NORMs is presented.