Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Dear sir/madam,

A couple of days ago I read the 'particles in the mist' (https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... #procedure) project and found it very interesting. I've asked my teacher if i would be able to do this experiment but unfortunately she said you need a degree to work with radioactive materials. I haven't read anything about this on the project itself so that is why i am asking you if there might be a misunderstanding about how radioactive Pb210 actually is or that the project has to be changed and must say that you need a degree in chemistery.
Thanks in advance,
Dieter Boeye

Hi Dieter,

Working with radioactive materials does require caution. However, the radioactive source used in this project is safe to use, as long as you follow the safety instructions given in the project procedure and in the Introduction to Radiation and Radiation Safety article that is linked to in the procedure. The source used in this project is small and produces little radiation in comparison to the types of radiation an x-ray machine at your doctor's office or dentist's office produces.

If you are doing this for a science project, you may need to submit a special form, depending on the rules of your science fair. For fair affiliated with the Intel ISEF, you would need to follow the rules described in section (C) "Radiation" of this webpage:

https://student.societyforscience.org/h ... or-devices

In particular, you would need to include a Risk Assessment Form (3) in your application materials.

Hi tdaly,

Well then I'm guessing that either my teacher doesn't wan't to work with radioactive materials or there must be a rule in the science fair that forbids me from using it.
Anyway thank you for your help!

With kind regards
Dieter Boeye