Final answer:
Radioactive packages should be monitored immediately upon delivery to ensure safety and compliance with radiation standards. The presence of isotopes with different half-lives, such as Iodine-131 and Cobalt-60, necessitates a quick assessment to manage potential hazards adequately.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of how soon radioactive packages must be monitored following delivery pertains to health and safety regulations in handling and storage of radioactive materials. While the exact time frame for monitoring post-delivery can vary depending on the specific regulations of a country or institution, generally, these packages need to be examined as soon as possible to ensure safety and compliance with radiation safety standards. It is important to monitor radioactive packages immediately upon receipt to check for any potential radiation leaks and to verify that the contents match shipping documents.
Due to the presence of radioisotopes with varying half-lives, such as Iodine-131 with a half-life of approximately 8 days or Cobalt-60 with a half-life of 5.27 years, the level of radioactivity and the potential hazards can change over time. Therefore, rapid assessment of the packages ensures that necessary precautions are taken in the storage, handling, and disposal of these materials to minimize the risk of radiation exposure.