TYPES OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE

The use of a wide range of radionuclides in medicine and medical research leads to the generation of waste, which requires a comprehensive management system. In many instances, the potential hazard, from the chemical, biological or physical properties is greater than the radiological hazard due to the presence of radionuclide contamination.

The types of radioactive waste that may occur because of the use of radionuclides in an RIA laboratory are many. Listed below are the types:

1. a. Surplus solutions of radionuclides from diagnostic, therapeutics and research applications, which are likely to be sterile

2. b. Aqueous-based solutions containing low levels of radionuclides, e.g., from washing of apparatus

3. c. Anatomical wastes, e.g., body fluids, blood etc.

4. d. Miscellaneous solid and semi-solid, wet wastes which may or may not be suitable for combustion, e.g., pads, absorbed liquids

5. e. Resin columns, matrix gels and chromatography plates from medical diagnosis and research

6. f. Food waste from patients administered with radionuclides for research purposes

7. g. Miscellaneous solid, dry wastes which are suitable for compaction, combustion or shredding, e.g., gloves, paper tissues, furniture and equipment parts

8. h. Miscellaneous solid, dry wastes which may not be suitable for compaction, combustion or shredding, e.g., furniture and equipment parts

9. i. Miscellaneous wastes, which pose a puncture hazard, e.g., needles, broken glass, vials

10. j. Waste from spills, decontamination and decommissioning procedures, e.g., liquids absorbed on matrix, mops, tissues

11. k. Filters used in equipment

12. l. Ancillary wastes, e.g., materials which may contact humans or animals

13. m. Spent sealed sources.