FILM PROCESSING AND THE ENVIRONMENT - REDUCING POLLUTION, WATER-CONSUMPTION, AND COSTS

Purpose. X-ray film professing is associated with pollution from photo chemicals and from the water used to rinse the film. We tested a new processing system that was aimed at reducing both environmental pollut ion and costs through the use of solid photo chemicals and recirculati on of the rinsing water. Material and Methods: Before and after the in stallation of new mixers for the solid chemicals and a system for reci rculating the rinsing water, we measured: water consumptions processor function quality, image quality, archivability, and the waste-silver content in the rinsing water. Results. After the installation of a sim ple system for recirculating the rinsing water, there was an 88% reduc tion in water and film consumption as shown in the amount of water/m(2 ) film that was used. At the same time, the release of silver-contamin ated rinsing water directly into the sewers was stopped. Image quality remained unchanged. Archivability was assessed at more than 100 years . The solid photo chemicals and specially designed mixers proved effic ient and provided a stable image quality of high standard. It was thus possible to reduce the risk of pollution from the transportation, sto rage and handling of liquid chemicals. Conclusion: A simple recirculat ion system for the rinsing water would significantly reduce water cons umption and eliminate contamination of the environment by silver. The on-site preparation of photo chemicals proved viable and reduced the c osts of film processing.