In a Laboratory Accident a Work Area Is Contaminated with Radioactive

Multiple Choice

In a laboratory accident a work area is contaminated with radioactive material. Health physicists monitor the area during a 30-day period and, after correcting for the background rate, obtain the data shown in the table.

The accident occurred at t = 0. They determine that it will not be safe for workers to enter the area until the radioactivity level has dropped to 133 counts per minute. Of the choices listed below, which one is the earliest time that workers could safely return?

A) 38 days
B) 44 days
C) 50 days
D) 32 days
E) 24 days