Technetium laboratory handling

The major characteristic of technetium is that it is the only element within the 29 transition metal-to-nonmetal elements that is artificially produced as a uranium-fission product in nuclear power plants. It is also the tightest (in atomic weight) of all elements with no stable isotopes. Since all of technetiums isotopes emit harmful radiation, they are stored for some time before being processed by solvent extraction and ion-exchange techniques. The two long-lived radioactive isotopes, Tc-98 and Tc-99, are relatively safe to handle in a well-equipped laboratory. 

Caution. Technetium-99 is a weak beta-emitter (E,nax = 92 keV). All manipulations must be performed in a laboratory designed for low-level radioactivity using efficient HEPA-filtered fume hoods, Schlenk techniques, and following locally approved nuclear chemistry handling and monitoring procedures. Lab coats, disposable gloves, and protective eyewear must be worn at all times. 

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