RADIOLOGICAL IMPACT OF LOW-LEVEL SOLID RADIOACTIVE-WASTE DISPOSED OF WITH ORDINARY HOSPITAL REFUSE

A method for the measurement of radioactivity contained in cardboard b oxes used to store hospital refuse was developed, testing its reliabil ity with sources of known activity and geometry. The method was applie d to a random sample of about 2000 boxes taken from those which are no t considered to contain radioactive material and are disposed of witho ut checks, in order to evaluate the amount of activity which is releas ed into the environment. It was found that it is about 0.06% of the to tal activity administered to patients. Radiation protection quantities were calculated on this basis, showing that the radiological effect i s small, not requiring routine analysis of all waste boxes produced in the hospital, but suggesting that measurements on a random sample are advisable to monitor the process.