RE: Tungsten,2% Thoriated or Pure?

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: "Terry Oxandale" <Toxandale@xxxxxxx>

Is it the alpha particle itself a hazard if inhaled, or is the hazard 
from the energy being absorbed after the particle is emitted from the 
inhaled radioactive source? Also, will an alpha particle remain 
ionized indefinitely or will it pick up a couple of electrons, or 
distribute (lose) energy as it meanders through the air prior to the 
low chance of being inhaled?

________________________________

From: Tesla list [mailto:tesla@xxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Sat 2/10/2007 9:55 PM
To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Tungsten,2% Thoriated or Pure?



Original poster: "David Rieben" <drieben@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Joe,

Thoriated tungsten contains about 2% thorium,
which is a radioactive alpha particle emitter. The
ionizing alpha particle radiation helps to stabilize
the arc in welding applications and would probably
also allow for a lower firing voltage at a given gap
width of a Tesla coil spark gap. However, it seems
that this would lead to bit more difficulty in proper
quenching, not to mention the release of radio-
active alpha particles into the air from the heat-
ing of the thoriated SG electrodes. Alpha part-
icles are harmless to the exterior skin of the
body but can cause all kinds of nasty radiation
related health problems if inhaled! That's the reason
that "I" prefer pure tungsten for my SG electrodes.

David Rieben



----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, February 09, 2007 10:15 PM
Subject: Tungsten,2% Thoriated or Pure?


 > Original poster: "Joe Smith" <proffessor@xxxxxxxxxxx>
 >
 > Hello Group:
 >     In reference to a rotary spark gap,,10 electrodes
 >     1/2" X 1 and 1/2" ,high speed,for a large coil,16X80 secondary.
 >
 >
 >     Thoriated is used for welding rods for a quicker spark,,,,,,
 >     thats all I know of the difference. What is the preference
 >     for Tesla coils?
 >     Thanks
 >     Joe
 > --
 >    Joe Smith
 >    proffessor@xxxxxxxxxxx
 >
 > --
 > http://www.fastmail.fm - Or how I learned to stop worrying and
 >                            love email again
 >