On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 19:39:16 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"Vic Smith" wrote in message
.. .
On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 19:24:20 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:


I understand that just a few atoms of plutonium in the lungs can produce
cancer in a relatively short time. I wonder why anyone would handle a
piece
of the stuff at all, unless it was somehow contained, wrapped, etc.

After reading what Bill said, I googled it and found that in warhead
form (solid, metallic-like) it is pretty harmless if not ingested or
inhaled. As I recall correctly my bucket was to contain a couple
quarts of lube oil into which the plutonium would be dropped.
The gloves were heavy rubber.
But the DC officer never mentioned that the stuff wouldn't kill
me, and whenever I thought back on the scenario and recall
the chalk marks representing plutonium on the deck near the ASROC, I
figured that was about the lamest - and last - thing I would have
done. The Navy isn't exactly death-averse.
But Bill said otherwise, and is right.

--Vic

ASROC? Automatic suspendible reptile oxidizing container?

Yep. The nuke version.

--Vic