Evaluating Lead Contamination in Nuclear Medicine and PET departments

Introduction: Lead is commonly used as a shield in nuclear medicine departments as a means to protect patients and technologists from unnecessary radiation exposure. Inhaling or swallowing lead can lead to a variety of symptoms which can result in lead poisoning. Treatment of lead poisoning consists of removing the source, establishing a healthy nutrition regimen, and chelation therapy. Using proper personal protective equipment can protect against infiltrating lead particles, whether airborne or tactile. Raw lead sources, when not properly regulated, can cause lead contamination and potentially lead poisoning. Evaluating frequently traveled areas and touch points will help determine if there is an area of contamination within a Nuclear Medicine Technology or Positron Emission Tomography department.

Methods: Using sterile wipes on potentially contaminated surfaces determined if lead levels were within the accepted value, given by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), of 50 micrograms per square foot. There were 10 areas where lead was frequently found that were of interest for the sampling. The areas of interest were outlined into one-foot by one-foot sections. Using damp testing wipes, the outlined surfaces were wiped using a specific technique. Starting in an S-shaped motion from top to bottom the area was wiped border to border, the wipe was then folded in half after each swipe with the dirty side folded together. The same area was then wiped again, using the S-shaped motion, in a side-to-side motion being cognizant to remain inside the outlined area. The wipes were then placed inside a sealed bag and sent to an outside certified laboratory to be tested for their lead concentration.

Results: Out of the 10 samples collected from various areas, two exceeded the limit of 50 micrograms per square foot with value of 1000 and 250 micrograms per square foot. One other sample met the limit at 50 micrograms per square foot. Thirty percent of the samples were at or exceeded the regulated limit while 70% of the samples were below the regulated limit.

Conclusions: The data gathered suggests the hypothesis to be correct, as 30% of the samples tested were above the accepted limit. Through the use of personal hygiene, vacuum cleaners specific for lead particles, and wet washing areas around the raw lead sources, the chances of lead contamination decrease significantly. Future studies concerning detecting lead contamination above the accepted limit of 50 micrograms per square foot would include testing for airborne lead particles and collecting blood samples of those who come in contact with and are around raw lead sources.