Eating, drinking, smoking, storage/preparation of food, and application of cosmetics are not permitted in radiation laboratories. This policy is not unique to the University of Pittsburgh. It is designed to minimize the risks of ingesting potentially harmful agents into the body.
The presence of coffee mugs, soft drink containers, food in refrigerators or cold rooms, coffee makers, and some microwave ovens is considered evidence that eating and drinking may be occurring in an area. Therefore, the Radiation Safety Office staff has been instructed to confiscate and dispose of any such materials found in a designated radiation laboratory, regardless of value.