EFFECT OF AMBIENT CONDITIONS

EXPOSURE TO HIGH TEMERATURES & UV/SUNLIGHT
(FALSE POSITIVES)

In reporting the shelf life (expiration date) of the dosimeter, we assumed that it will be stored at room temperature (below 25^oC) and protected from ultraviolet/sunlight light exposures. Hence, the dosimeter must be stored at room temperature or below and protected from ultraviolet/sunlight light exposures. The shelf life will be reduced if SIRAD is stored at a higher temperature (higher than 25^oC) and/or unprotected sensor(s) is exposed to UV/sunlight for a prolonged time (e.g., more than a few hours of direct sunlight).

The sensor(s) will develop color upon prolonged exposure to higher temperatures or UV/sunlight, resulting in a false positive. For example, if the dosimeter is stored (1) at 70^oC for a week, 60^oC for a month and/or (2) unprotected sensor(s) is exposed to direct sunlight for about a few hours, the sensor(s) will develop a faint color, equivalent to about 5-25 rads depending upon the exposure and nature of the sensor. Repeated, e.g., hundreds of reading of the dosimeter under sunlight or normal ambient light will have a negligible effect on the sensor. However, a week of direct exposure of unprotected sensor to ambient light or a half day of exposure to diffused sunlight (e.g., under shade) should be avoided as this will also cause the sensor to develop a faint blue color. Hence, to avoid false positives, protect the sensor(s) from prolonged exposures to UV/sunlight, ambient light and higher temperatures. In order to protect the badge from UV/sunlight, keep the black cover film on all the time except reading the dosimeter. Replace the dosimeter on or before the expiration date printed on the badge. Keep the black cover on the SIRAD badge all the time, except for reading the dosimeter.

HUMIDITY: The dosimeter is essentially unaffected by ambient or high humidity. If the dosimeter gets wet, just wipe it. Don’t put in hot or boiling water.

MICROWAVE: There is no effect of microwave radiation. SIRAD will not absorb microwave. However, it is made of plastics and there is a slight heating effect.

LAUNDRY CYCLE: The current SIRAD badge would not be affected if it is subjected to a few normal laundry cycles of washing and drying (usually below 70^oC). However, prolonged exposure to temperature higher than 80 degree centigrade may damage the sensor. If the SIRAD badge is subjected to a laundry cycle, replace the badge.

FIRE: SIRAD is made of plastic and hence it will melt and burn. 

DISPOSAL AND ARCHIVING OF DATA: If you are instructed to return the dosimeter, follow the instructions, upon expiration or radiation exposure.

If you are an individual user and if there is no radiation exposure, the dosimeter should be replaced with a new SIRAD badge upon the expiration date printed on the dosimeter. Dispose off the old one. No special disposal is required. After recording the exposure, cut and dispose off the dosimeter as you would dispose off a credit card. Do not dispose off the dosimeter if the sensor has developed color before the expiration date. The dosimeter (radiation exposure) is archiveable. We plan to provide such service at a small cost in the future. Please contact JP Labs for additional information.