The continuing problem of radioactive metal scrap

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:269749

Yusko, J G ^[1]; Lubenau, J O ^[2]

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1. PA Department of Environmental Resources, Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
2. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States)

Metal scrap found to contain radioactive materials continues to challenge regulatory agencies as discoveries of this unwanted constituent increase. And while efforts are made to prevent the exposure of personnel at metal manufacturing mills and scrap yards when radioactivity is discovered in a shipment of metal scrap, this has not stemmed the number of discoveries. Sources and devices continue to be found, leading to difficulties in the disposal of the radioactive materials, especially with the closure of licensed LLRW facilities to non-compact state members. Naturally-occurring radioactive materials continue to be found, principally as surface contaminants of metals for recycling. And although NORM contamination does not generally pose a threat to the health and safety of personnel at metal mills and scrap yards, there is no consensus about the disposition of NORM-contaminated metal. The changing of trade barriers (such as the North American Free Trade Agreement) also factors into the problem, as materials cross international boundaries and enter the recycling stream. The efforts of entities such as Conference committees, federal regulatory agencies (e.g., NRC, EPA, DOT), state radiation control agencies and the affected industries will be presented and discussed.

• OSTI ID: 269749
• Report Number(s): CONF-9505336--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY
PUBLIC HEALTH
RADIATION DETECTION
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
RECOMMENDATIONS
RECYCLING
SCRAP METALS
SURFACE CONTAMINATION