Radioactive Waste
Radioactive Waste
Nor Environmental is located in North Bay, Ontario, Canada is a environmentally responsible company working within a newly recognized area of expertise (in Canada). Mr. Brown and his radiation safety staff adhere to all American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB) protocols and standards for the detection, evaluation, remediation, and laboratory analysis of Radioactive material (natural and industrial).
What is Low Level Radioactive Material & Waste (LLRM & W)?
When the public thinks about radioactive material or radioactive waste they usually think about nuclear power plants and High Level Radioactive Waste (HLRW) like spent fuel rods. Many people do not realize that Low Level Radioactive Waste (LLRW) is produced naturally, and by radioactive material utilized in industry, research and medicine.
LLRM&W can be any piece of equipment that incorporates or produces ionized radiation at low levels. It can also be any material or piece of equipment that upon contact with a radioactive source becomes contaminated.
Where are LLRM used?
There are many sources and uses for LLRM. These range from smoke detectors used in homes and businesses to very sensitive measuring devices. Some of these uses are:
Industrial Uses
Nuclear Gauges (Sensors) are used in a wide variety of applications in industry; density measurements in the paper industry, moisture content of material, and liquid levels. In the metals field they are used to determine thickness of coatings, and materials. LLRM are also present in the food and drink industry to estimate fat and air content, and in some cases to kill bacteria.
Radioactive check sources are used for quality control of measuring devices and other sensors to ensure accuracy.
Medical Uses
Radioactive isotopes are far more commonly recognized by the public when utilized in the medical field. LLRM are used in tests and treatments where radioactive trace elements are injected into patients, and in genetic and DNA research.
Municipal Uses
Radioactive trace elements are used to track gas and water main leaks, and control sewage sludge.
Other Sources
LLRM are used in the manufacture of emergency exit signs, luminous watch dials and meters, special high intensity compact light sources, etc.
Old aircraft instruments require special consideration because most utilized Radium or Tritium based paint. They can produce intense radiation if the glass or seals deteriorate or crack. Most of these older instruments would require special radioactive licences if produced today. These instruments can vary greatly in radioactive intensity depending on the age and size of the unit.
Uranium has been used as a colouring agent by dentists and as a glazing for ceramics and pottery.
Thorium has been utilized in the manufacturing of gas lantern mantles, optical lenses and high temperature alloys.
RADON
Another type of LLRM & W is naturally produced. This can be from uranium or other radioactive rock types, radium in its natural form, and Radon.
In mining sector communities legislation is in place to ensure that levels of natural radiation from these sources are monitored and controlled.
There is a great deal of interest and concern in the fact that there are many non-mining areas of the country especially in the Canadian (Cambrian) Shield that have shown elevated levels of Radon in homes and buildings. This is through natural decay of uranium. Radon is present in building air and through migration in water sources (residential and some community water sources). These elevated natural levels can be of greater and more immediate hazard to the general public and workers than all other types of low level radiation put together.
** Exposure to ionizing radiation for any duration is harmful. Ionizing radiation is a class "A" carcinogen and can increase risk of cancer!
HAVE YOUR RADIOACTIVE SOURCES:
REGULARLY CHECKED to insure unit integrity (licensed or unlicensed sources), and CATALOGUED to ensure type, strength, locations and quantity.
ARE A.E.C.B. LICENCES UP TO DATE? A.E.C.B. Radioactive Material Licences demand specific criteria be met annually to ensure compliance.
ARE YOUR NEEDS BEING MET FROM HERE IN THE NORTH? FOR WORKER AND WORKPLACE RADIATION SAFETY
Nor Environmental
brownl@efni.com