Abstract

RADIOGRAPHIC WASTE MANAGEMENT - AN OVERLOOKED NECESSITY

Dr. Abhishek Madhavan*, Dr Sudhakar.S, Dr Senthil Balasubramani

Abstract

Radiography is an indispensible diagnostic aid in the medical and dental field. Conventional radiography involves usage of radiographic films and processing solutions which eventually produce radiographic wastes. The wastes produced are toxic and needs to be disposed off safely which unfortunately is not the case in most private practices and teaching institutes. Radiographic wastes can be broadly differentiated as solid wastes and effluents, the chief solid wastes are silver and lead and the primary effluent is soluble silver which when discharged unchecked is extremely hazardous to the environment. The article aims to educate dental practices and institutions utilizing conventional radiography on the ideal disposal technique of these wastes to avoid damage to our fragile ecosystem.

Keywords: Radiographic waste, Silver recycling, Conventional radiography, Lead.