Science ASSIST Information Sheet: Radioactive isotopes and minerals

This information sheet is an updated review of the answers to the following questions, and replaces the previously published Q&As:

• Are we still able/allowed to buy radioisotopes?
• What are the requirements to keep radioactive sources?
• Some of the old radioactive materials we have in a lead box are leaking and I have been told not to open/touch it. Where or who do we contact for disposal of these old radioactive materials?
• Our school recently found a cardboard box of radioactive minerals which have been stored at the back of the cupboard. Do these minerals need to be stored in a metal container or glass jar like our radioactive samples or is the original box still okay? Will these samples also produce Radon gas? One of the minerals from what I can see is Uraninite.