Radiation glass discoloration

Glass is an important material in the construction of production equipment for radiopharmaceuticals. This material will become discolored and brittle when affected by radiation, and thus repair and/or change of parts of the equipment may be necessary. Due to radioactive contamination of the equipment, repair and maintenance can often be complicated, and time for decay must be included in the maintenance period. To secure the continuous supply of products, it may be necessary to construct two production lines in separate production units, where one is kept as a backup facility. 

The photodegradation of doxorubicin, daunorubicin, and epirubicin solutions is more rapid in clear glass than in polyethylene or amber glass containers (61). Colored glass is not preferred for injections since it is difficult to detect discoloration and particulate matter in the liquid preparation. However, a colorless glass capable of cutting off detrimental radiations is still to be discovered. 

Use Ceramics abrasive for glass polishing opacifi-er in photochromic glasses retarder of discoloration in glass, especially radiation shielding and color TV tubes catalyst enamels and ceramic coatings phosphors cathodes capacitors semiconductors refractory oxides diluent in nuclear fuels heat stabilizer (alumina catalyst). 

Cerium is also used in glass that is subject to alpha, gamma. X-ray, hght and electron radiation. The cerium decreases the rate of discoloration of the glass, primarily by preventing the formation of divalent Fe (Emsley 2(X)1). 

B Speit. Irradiation Energy Dependence of Discoloration in Radiation Shielding Glasses, SPIE Conference, San Diego, CA, 1990. 

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