What Hazards Are Present in X-Ray Equipment?
Several important but manageable hazards in X-ray equipment must be considered when it reaches the end of its lifespan to ensure its disposal protects the health and safety of people and the environment.
- Cobalt 60 is a radioisotope used to produce radiographs. It’s a rod that professionals must remove since improper handling can lead to radiation sickness.
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) were dangerous chemicals widely used as coolants and lubricants in electrical systems before their toxicity and persistence in the environment were discovered. Since they stopped being used in the late 1970s, only old machines may contain PCBs. The machine’s owner is responsible for contacting a certified e-waste recycler to test it to ensure it is safe to be disposed of.
- Older machines may also contain toxic metals like lead, beryllium, and others. Certified e-waste recyclers should be called to test for their presence. If found, the US EPA allows 90-180 days to dispose of it properly. Following recommendations can prevent costly fines from improper handling. Fortunately, new machines are more eco-friendly and will not contain toxic metals.
- X-ray tubes are made of glass and are placed in a vacuum. They must be carefully removed to prevent shattering and subsequent injuries to anyone nearby.
- Electromagnetic radiation is a potential hazard, but only when they are in use. There is no residual radiation to worry about when the machines are unplugged.
How to Dispose of X-Ray Machines or Parts
Here are some options to dispose of used equipment or their parts.
- Hire a certified e-waste recycler with the knowledge and skills to handle it safely.
- If the machine is still functional, you can donate it by transferring ownership to an authorized institution that may not otherwise be able to afford one, thus ensuring good environmental and social outcomes.
- Donate it to a reputable, certified recycler who may refurbish or recycle functional devices or their components.
- Seek the help of radiography suppliers, as they may know of businesses that buy used equipment.
- Sell the parts to people who repair or refurbish radiograph machines.
What to Keep in Mind When Recycling Old X-Rays
Adherence to X-Ray Retention Policies
Before recycling old X-rays, it's crucial to check against record retention policies. These policies specify the duration for which medical records, including X-rays, must be kept. Ensure that the films you plan to recycle have surpassed the mandatory retention period. This adherence avoids the premature disposal of potentially necessary medical records, which could be critical for ongoing patient care or future reference.
HIPAA Compliance
When handling X-rays, compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is paramount. This means ensuring the destruction of all patient information on the X-ray films before recycling. Choose a recycling partner who provides a certificate of destruction and adheres to HIPAA guidelines.
Selecting a Reputable Recycling Service
Partner with a reputable recycling service that specializes in handling medical X-rays. Research their recycling process, particularly including how they handle the extraction of silver and the disposal of the remaining materials. Confirm that they follow environmentally safe procedures and comply with local and federal regulations. A credible recycler will have transparent practices and can assure their ongoing compliance and environmental stewardship.
Evaluating Environmental Impact
Consider the environmental impact of the recycling process. Inquire about the methods used for silver extraction and how the recycler mitigates any potential environmental hazards. Ideally, the process should minimize waste and prevent the release of toxic substances. With environmental considerations in mind, healthcare facilities can contribute to a sustainable recycling practice that aligns with broader environmental conservation efforts.
How Long Is It Necessary to Keep X-Ray Films?
How long X-rays should be kept can vary depending on specific treatment requirements or legal situations. However, since they are considered a form of medical records, they must be kept for a minimum of 7 years from the date the patient was last in for a checkup for adults or 5 years after children reach the age of majority.
However, it’s generally recommended that mammography films be kept for 6-7 years from the date the patient was last in your clinic or 10 years.
How Should Old X-Ray Film Be Disposed Of?
Disposing of old X-ray films requires a process that respects environmental concerns and patient privacy. These films aren’t typical waste; they contain silver, a heavy metal that can harm the environment, among other hazardous chemicals, and are covered under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) due to sensitive patient information.
The first step is ensuring that all personal patient data on the films is rendered unreadable by physically destroying the films or using a professional service that securely shreds X-ray films.
Once the films are devoid of identifiable information, the next step is recycling. X-ray films contain silver, which can be recovered and reused. Many recycling facilities specialize in processing X-ray films and extracting silver in an environmentally friendly manner. Find a reputable recycler who complies with environmental standards to ensure that the process of silver extraction doesn’t lead to environmental degradation.
In short, disposing of old X-ray films involves two critical steps: securely destroying patient information to maintain confidentiality and recycling the films to recover silver content and avoid environmental damage. Both steps are vital for complying with legal requirements and ensuring a sustainable practice.
Why Old X-Ray Films Should Be Recycled
Prevention of Environmental Pollution
Disposing of old X-ray films in landfills can lead to environmental pollution, leaching into soil and water sources and posing a threat to ecosystems. Recycling prevents these harmful substances from contaminating the environment, ensuring a safer and cleaner ecosystem.
Recovery of Valuable Silver
By recycling old X-ray films, the silver is extracted and repurposed, conserving resources and reducing the demand for mining new silver, an environmentally intensive process.
Legal Compliance
In many places, it’s illegal to discard X-ray films into the regular waste stream due to their toxic content and the presence of personal health information. Recycling ensures compliance with environmental regulations and laws governing the disposal of hazardous materials, helping facilities avoid potential legal penalties.
Promotion of Sustainable Practices
Recycling old X-ray films is a step towards sustainable healthcare practices. It reduces the waste footprint of medical facilities and promotes the responsible use of resources. This commitment to sustainability can enhance the reputation of healthcare providers and aligns with the growing global emphasis on environmentally friendly practices. One of the best ways to achieve a more sustainable practice is by transitioning to digital X-ray systems, eliminating the need to carefully recycle physical film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Old X-Ray Machines Dangerous?
Old radiograph equipment doesn’t contain residual radiation when it’s not in use. However, depending on its age, it may still contain potential hazards like PCBs, lead, and beryllium. Furthermore, all old and new X-ray machines contain Cobalt 60 radioisotopes that can cause radiation sickness if they are improperly handled.
How Do You Get Rid of X-Ray Machines?
X-ray equipment that’s still functioning can be donated to certified recyclers or refurbishers or transferred directly to an authorized institution that may otherwise be unable to afford its own. If it’s unusable, contact a certified e-waste recycler to ensure it’s handled safely and according to legal requirements.
How Do You Dispose of Dental X-Ray Machines?
Since dental radiograph equipment contains Cobalt 60 and other potential hazards, a certified professional must be called to remove the hazardous components before the rest of the machine can be recycled. Then, contact a certified e-waste recycler to handle the rest to ensure you follow all legal and safety requirements.
Final Thoughts
When you need to dispose of old radiograph equipment that is no longer usable for resale or donation, hiring a professional to remove the cobalt 60 rods and other hazardous materials is critical.
Contact a certified e-waste handler who can handle the material themselves or will know who to contact for the necessary services, ensuring safety for people and our environment. Then, purchase high-quality, eco-friendly new or used digital X-ray machines from Maven Imaging.
