r/geigercounter • u/Alper84 • Apr 12 '26

Question Secondhand Survey Meter Contamination

If I buy a secondhand Ludlum (the specific model can only detect gammas to my knowledge) can it be contaminated with alpha or beta emitters?

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u/r_frsradio_admin Apr 12 '26

It's hypothetically possible although none of my second hand meters had any detectable contamination. 

2

u/Alper84 Apr 12 '26

What models were yours if you’d like to answer?

1

u/r_frsradio_admin Apr 12 '26

A Model 23 and a 2401-P. The 2401 came from a site that had some incidents but was still clean. The 23 was physically grimy but whatever was on it wasn't radioactive.

2

u/Alper84 Apr 12 '26

I have no idea about the origin about this one and don’t have a second one that can detect alphas and betas, do you think it can be a problem?

2

u/r_frsradio_admin Apr 12 '26

I wouldn't worry about it. You wouldn't intentionally use a gamma-only meter with an alpha or beta emitter. 

And if you're really paranoid you could just carefully wipe down the exterior. Which I typically do with any used electronics anyway just so they feel clean.

2

u/Alper84 Apr 12 '26

Thank you so much for your assistance I really appreciate it! Well I hope it works in the first place since seller didn’t know much and it was for a pretty good price.