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MN DEFT HEALTH Fax:6516432152 Aug 2 `01 9:38 P■02 A ... ................ . . with recently .. .:::........ �rn *)Wd bc removed via . ........ . . ....: iM.f# atopsy r� e seeds .......... .. ... ..: .:.... pose little or no threat to the cremationist or to the cremation equipment, Iodine-125 is volatilized (evaporated/vaporized) during the cremation procedure and therefore, is not an issue environmentally. Palladium-103 is rapidly replacing Iodine-125 as the preferred radioactive implant material. Palladium-103 is considered a "nuclear by-product" by the NRC and is not directly under their jurisdiction. It is created by bombarding gold in a nuclear accelerator. Palladium-103 has a half-life of 50 days. Its emitting energy drops off dramatically after its third half-life and is considered without energy after ten half-fives, or 500 days. Palladium-103 follows the course of Iodine-125 during cremation. It too is shielded by the body following seed insertion and is not considered a threat to those with contact with the patient. THE GOOD,BAD,AND UGLY -- --------- ........... ................ f.. ': x �f ;. ax G� f flow, Brachytherapy of the prostate is suspected.A recent case illustrates the new-ssity for accurate information. The author recently received numerous phone calls from a firm asked to cremate a body with radioactive prostate seeds. 'Ile exact nature of the seeds was unknown initially but, they were believed to have been Radium-226. The author advised the fuze that Radiurn- 226 has a half-life of 400 years and is not considered without energy for 4,000 years. Ud Further,Radium-226 d=A v . . ohm"n-aemation.It is ejedzd fr Was instructed to inquire as . ruc to the EXACT type of radionuclide in use. Upon investigation, the radioactive source was found to be Iodine-125 and the body was cremated without incident. It is incumbent upon the cremationist to inquire as to the type of brachytherapy seeds in use. other implants such as gamma emitters Cobalt 60 with a half- life of five years have largely replaced Radium-226. By rule, it is to be recovered from a patient prior to dismissal from the hospital. The same is true for Cesium-137, which has a half life of 30 years. Cesium-137, also a gamma energy emitter, is a popular radionuclide in the fight against cervical cancer. While these radioactive chemicals should not pose a threat to the cremationist if proper institutional protocols are followed, consider the following anecdote: Cesium- 137 is administered by a physician on a Friday. Subsequently, the patient dies from complications unrelated to the radiation therapy. The physician covering for the attending physician over the weekend, releases the body unaware that the ' 1 �} place. The body is cremated causing great concern for all concerned. If other than Iodine-1 25 or Palladium-1 03 is the source of the radioactive seeds, contact the releasing facility for further instruction and potential removal of the seeds prior to cremation.