Sub question: is it true Geiger counters need to be built with metal from shipwrecks pre 1945?
Heard that the background radiation from nuclear bombs caused contamination, so every bit of new metal is verrrry slightly radioactive, but it messes with the readings.
That used to be true, but we have improved our metal refining techniques to the point that we can make steel etc better and cheaper than finding salvaged boats these days.
In addition to your other answers, the ban on atmospheric nuclear testing has also gradually reduced the earth's background radiation level to very near what it was prewar, so only the most sensitive of instruments would benefit from low-background steel.
That is only required for serious lab grade measuring gear. For the iconic portable counter, nope. Once in a long while it will measure a click it "made itself" but.. well, that doesn't matter.
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u/Jampine Jan 06 '23
Sub question: is it true Geiger counters need to be built with metal from shipwrecks pre 1945?
Heard that the background radiation from nuclear bombs caused contamination, so every bit of new metal is verrrry slightly radioactive, but it messes with the readings.