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X-Ray Waste Disposal

x rays

X-rays are still the most commonly used type of medical imaging today. They’re not only used by medical and dental professionals, but also by art experts and historians to examine paintings and artifacts.

Because the technology is used so much, the waste it produces is abundant. It must be safely handled and disposed of just like other forms of medical waste.

  • Developer. This is the chemical solution used to change the latent x-ray images into visible pictures. It’s toxic as it contains hydroquinone. Unused developer must be correctly disposed of by professionals.
  • Fixer. This is another toxic substance used when processing x-rays. It contains high levels of silver so it cannot be disposed of down the drain.
  • Film. Film also has a high silver content and needs to be carefully handled.
  • Lead Foil, Boxes, Aprons. Lead is an extremely hazardous waste material and cannot just be thrown out with the regular trash. It needs to be handled with the other bio waste in a secure manner.

X-rays have been a useful part of medicine for over a hundred years. We should not forget, however, that they and their by-products are dangerous and must be handled cautiously so as not to endanger public and environmental safety.