Model for inactivation and disposal of infectious human immunodeficiency virus and radioactive waste in a BL3 facility

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1990 · Applied and Environmental Microbiology; (USA)

OSTI ID:6971277

Stinson, M C; Galanek, M S; Ducatman, A M; Masse, F X; Kuritzkes, D R ^[1]

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1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge (USA)

A method is described for autoclaving low levels of solid infectious, radioactive waste. The method permits steam penetration to inactivate biologic waste, while any volatile radioactive compounds generated during the autoclave process are absorbed. Inactivation of radiolabeled infectious waste has been problematic because the usual sterilization techniques result in unacceptable radiation handling practices. If autoclaved under the usual conditions, there exists a high probability of volatilization or release of radioisotopes from the waste. This results in the radioactive contamination of the autoclave and the laboratory area where steam is released from the autoclave. Our results provide a practical method to inactivate and dispose of infectious radioactive waste. For our research, Bacillus pumilus spore strips and vaccinia virus were used as more heat-resistant surrogates of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These surrogates were used because HIV is difficult to grow under most conditions and is less heat tolerant than the surrogates. In addition, B. pumilus has defined cell death values, whereas such values have not been established for HIV. Both B. pumilus and vaccinia virus are less hazardous to work with. The autoclave method is time efficient and can be performed by laboratory personnel with minimal handling of the waste. Furthermore, waste site handlers are able to visually inspect the solid waste containers and ascertain that inactivation procedures have been implemented.

• OSTI ID: 6971277
• Journal Information: Applied and Environmental Microbiology; (USA), Vol. 56:1; ISSN 0099-2240
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
ABSORPTION
AIDS VIRUS
AUTOCLAVES
BACILLUS
HEAT
SOLID WASTES
VOLATILITY
BACTERIA
ENERGY
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MICROORGANISMS
PARASITES
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
VIRUSES
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
540130* - Environment
Atmospheric- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)