Managing Radioactive Waste from Open Sources

The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) conducted over 200 audits (2020–2024) to ensure compliance with updated regulations on radioactive waste management in medicine and research.

Key points:

• Closed radioactive sources (e.g., calibration materials) are either stored for decay or returned to suppliers for recycling.
• Internal waste management policies should outline sorting, storage, and disposal procedures.
• Challenges in research labs include irregular disposal, reduced radioactive material use, high staff turnover, and lack of routine procedures.
• Regular monitoring is necessary to prevent waste buildup, especially in high-risk areas like nuclear medicine and cyclotrons.
• Disposal restrictions apply to certain nuclides (e.g., H-3, C-14), requiring special permits for wastewater or incineration disposal.
• Proper waste handling ensures safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection.

Source: https://www.bag.admin.ch/dam/bag/de/dokumente/str/fanm/schlussberichte-divers/schlussbericht-abfallaudits.pdf.download.pdf/Schlussbericht_Abfallaudits.pdf

Region: Europe