Once informed of our discovery and concern, the Massachusetts Radiation Control Program agreed to accept and properly dispose of the radioactive reagents we found in the high school science area. A geology instructor requested and was granted ownership of the radioactive rocks found in the school. Not all radioactive materials are labeled to indicate that they are radioactive, especially if the materials were acquired in the distant past. None of our materials were labeled to indicate that the contents were radioactive. Therefore, you cannot assume that the container labeling will provide adequate warning for this hazard.
Unsealed sources pose serious health hazards.
Unsealed or powdered radioactive sources pose serious health hazards because these materials can be easily ingested or inhaled if mishandled. Once inside the body even minor or low energy radioactive material can become potentially lethal in nature. The presence of Geiger counters, Geiger tubes or scintillation counters may be a strong indication that radioactive materials might be present or have been used at the school. The presence of this equipment should be considered as a warning that radioactive material is or has been used at the school. As a result, efforts should be initiated to determine if any sources remain at the school.