Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Caraccio, T R
• McFee, R B
• Luboweicki, D M
• Mestel, R

Titel

Radioactive Products - The Next Category of Toy? Will Parents Be Happy with a Visit from HAZMAT? A Case of Uranium Marbles Purchased over the Internet by Teens

Ist Teil von

• Clinical Toxicology, 2008, Vol.46 (7), p.637-637

Erscheinungsjahr

2008

Quelle

Taylor & Francis Journals Auto-Holdings Collection

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Background: Teenagers often seek unusual, risky products; the Internet is an easy, underregulated source of potentially dangerous products such as home GHB kits as well as instructions on making/obtaining illicit drugs. We report the first case in the medical literature involving uranium marbles purchased on the Internet resulting in HAZMAT evaluation. Case Report: The mother of a 16 year old discovered her son obtained glass products he said contained uranium and called PCC. The glass marbles were purchased from United Nuclear on the Internet by a classmate, and broken in transit; shards of the glass were intermixed with a yellow powder-like substance. PCC advised do not touch or inhale product and contacted The Radiation Emergency Assist Center (REAC TS) at Oak Ridge. The products contained 3% uranium. Though low risk, the uranium posed a possible environmental hazard. HAZMAT sent to site; Geiger counter revealed gamma radiation yielding a 600 counts/minute reading - low risk/barely above background. None of the involved parties have suffered from radiation toxicity. Case Discussion: Uranium is an alpha, beta and gamma emitter, more dense than lead. Uranium doped marbles are sold because the uranium encased in the glass glows under black light. A Google search revealed numerous sites for uranium doped marbles and other radioactive items, including Chinese radioactive gas mantles. While the uranium content was low risk, especially if not ingested, inhaled or injected, the potential for trafficking dangerous items, especially through the Internet remains high. Conclusion: This is the first case reported of an environmental hazard related to uranium doped marbles and demonstrates how easy radiation sources, even low dose uranium can be purchased. Radiation threats are the least emphasized in medical training. The epidemiology and sales of radioactive items via the Internet remains undetermined. Fortunately PCC, HAZMAT and REAC TS are available resources. Today the risk was low; the ubiquitous nature of radioactive sources warrants greater training and vigilance. PCC are in a unique position to provide public outreach and education.