As we watched the radioactive waste overflow onto the flooring, we rapidly climbed onto the lab benches and called for help. I d never dealt with a spill rather like this, but we stayed composed, well prepared from our laboratory security training. We never understand when a burst pipeline will test the value of correct laboratory security practices!
In the late 2000s, as a graduate student in Michelle Hastings lab at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, I dealt with targeting RNA splicing for disease therapy using radioactive isotopes to spot RNA expression. Mallory Havens earned her PhD at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. She is now a biologist at Lewis University where she studies the biogenesis of noncanonical RNA and pre-mRNA alternative splicing in disease.Anthony HinrichOne winter afternoon, our laboratory manager and I tried to raise the frigid temperature level in the laboratory to a pleasant 60 degrees Fahrenheit. All of a sudden, a pipeline burst above the door that was the only exit to the space. Warm water shot throughout the doorframe and directly into a container with liquid radioactive waste. At the time, we utilized phosphorous 32 (P-32), an isotope with reasonably low levels of radioactivity and a brief half-life in our experiments. Although we can deal with P-32 for hours with minimal danger, we desired to prevent any unnecessary exposure. As we saw the radioactive waste overflow onto the floor, we rapidly climbed onto the laboratory benches and called for help. I d never dealt with a spill rather like this, but we remained made up, well prepared from our lab security training. Once upkeep shut down the water, we went to work with the in-depth tidy up procedure.We wiped up all the water and spritzed Fantastik, a useful household cleaner that removes isotopes. We used a Geiger counter and a scintillation counter to validate that there was no recurring isotope.Later, we found that a fire had happened in the laboratory numerous years prior, and the building and construction company fixed the damage. The company never changed the insulation in the ceiling, which left a risk to the pipes. Fortunately, they changed the insulation after this event. It was a close call and a suggestion to remain vigilant about lab security. When a burst pipeline will evaluate the significance of appropriate laboratory safety practices, we never understand! If we had neglected laboratory protocol and overfilled the waste container.This interview has actually been edited for length and clearness, the event might have been much worse.