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21 November 2009

Answer to Question #5430 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radioactive Waste Disposal — Disposal

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

What guidelines should one use concerning the disposal of moisture density instrumentation containing radioactive sources such as ²⁴¹Am or ²²⁶Ra?

Thank you for your question concerning the disposal of moisture density instrumentation. I apologize for the late reply . . . your question went undetected for six weeks. I recognize that you have likely received an answer from another source.

Moisture density instrumentation can either be returned to the manufacturer or supplier or disposed of at a licensed disposal facility. Disposal regulations are stipulated by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for Class A, Class B, Class C, and Greater Than Class C low-level waste. The NRC Web site provides the waste classification regulations in 10 CFR Part 61.

A useful reference that discusses the disposition of disused sources is "Commercial Radioactive Sources: Surveying the Security Risks" (January 2003).

Eric W. Abelquist, PhD, CHP

Answer posted on 17 July 2006. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.