Radioactive materials are used in many medical, commercial, and consumer devices – including medical imaging machines, old exit signs, and smoke detectors. Because the radioactive material is encased within the devices, they are safe to use. But radioactive material can be released when these devices are damaged or improperly disposed, exposing workers to radiation and contaminating landfills or recycling facilities.
How can we best manage radioactive devices to protect the environment – and ourselves? Extended producer responsibility. These programs include incentives to design products that are environmentally responsible – in this case, no longer made with radioactive materials.
Unfortunately, no EPR laws currently exist for radioactive devices. PSI’s research and stakeholder dialogues on tritium exit signs and industrial gauges, conducted for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, have spurred investment in alternative technologies that reduce or eliminate the need for radioactive materials.
What can you do? Tell your representatives that you support radioactive device EPR legislation . Then, learn where to safely dispose of radioactive devices in your community.
If you’re a PSI Member or Partner, search our Resource Library for information on radioactive device stewardship and our Legislation Library for a history of radioactive device EPR bills and laws in the U.S.