Speaker
Description
In the Dutch medical sector, which includes hospitals and medical suppliers various radioactive materials are used for diagnostics, treatment and scientific research. The use of these materials results in the production of radioactive residual and waste materials. Based on literature and interviews, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has investigated which materials these are and how they are managed (such as decay storage, release and reuse). Options for prevention and minimization were explored. This research contributes to the updating of the National Programme of Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel.
Investigation of licenses for the use of radioactive materials identified 93 companies in this sector. Only 19 companies have transported radioactive waste to the Dutch Central Organisation for Radioactive Waste (COVRA). In the period 2018 – 2020 a total of 2.7 x 104 GBq annually is transported from this sector. This is mainly because companies frequently opt for decay storage. By extending the decay storage period, the amount of radioactivity could be further reduced. Companies also use the option to return sealed sources to suppliers. Waste of highly active sealed sources has the highest level of radioactivity and represents 99 % of the total activity disposed of by this sector.
(report available in Dutch through https://doi.org/10.21945/RIVM-2022-0073)
