Radiation in Scrap Metal
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, millions of metric tons of iron and steel scrap-automobiles, cans, appliances, construction materials, etc.-are recycled annually in the United States. Radioactive scrap not only endangers the health of exposed workers and the environment but also impacts the foundry and steel-making industries. Cleanup can cost millions of dollars. Due to increased international trade of radioactive scrap, industries and governments alike are growing more concerned.
Contamination
Naturally occurring radiation (NORM) will show up in scrap from particular sectors such as the military and the oil and medical industries. According to Steve Sterenka with RaddComm Systems, a Canadian supplier of radiation detection equipment, radium 226 shows up in military scrap. However, lead-sealed sources-radiography cameras-are the worst offenders. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) illustrates three ways that scrap becomes contaminated: 1) materials with low levels of radioactivity fall below limits set by regulations; 2) scrap mixed with radioactive sources is stolen or lost; and, 3) contaminated material from industrial processes infuses the scrap stream.
Imported Scrap
Almost all scrap metal companies in Europe own radiation detection equipment. Contaminated scrap from former CIS nations-Ukraine-has shown up in scrap loads en route to Western Europe. While incidents of radioactive have compounded at domestic industrial sites, the U.S. imports millions of tons of scrap. Due to apprehension over the smuggling of nuclear materials, American port facilities are showing pronounced interest in radiation detection equipment; they could provide another line of defense.
Incident Example
The owner of a salvage yard in Ohio, Allen Hogan, bought a mixed bag of scrap from the Department of Demilitarization. Hogan discovered pieces of a Minuteman missile in the metal load. Not until his scrap shipment to the Luntz Corporation was rejected did Hogan find out that the material was radioactive.
Preventive and Safety Measures
Contingent on the level of radioactivity, the three options to deal with contaminated scrap include decontamination, disposal or recycling. During the trade and transport of radioactive scrap, there are also points at which intervention can minimize damage. Better controls at the source can stop the admission of radioactive scrap into the recycling industry. Radioactive detection instruments can pinpoint "hot" scrap when it reaches scrap dealerships. In turn, additional scanners placed within handling equipment and on the conveyor belt can reduce the probability that hot scrap will evade detection. If radioactive scrap does evade earlier checkpoints, safety procedures must be in place to not only handle contaminated material but also report infractions and prevent future incidents.
Government Initiatives
In concert with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the EPA has been investigating the problem of radioactive scrap on a global level. The EPA seeks to establish a consistent standard with regard to the global trade of scrap as well as implement a monitoring and response protocol. Other EPA measures include an Internet site for scrap industry data worldwide and training programs to tackle issues relevant to contaminated materials.
Tags: detection equipment, radiation detection, radiation detection equipment, radioactive scrap, scrap from
