Re: Sterilization

[Susan Gawarecki <loc@icx.net>]

We have a local company that uses electron beams to sterilize medical
red-bag (potentially infectious) waste, which can then be disposed in
the local landfill, instead of being sent to an incinerator.  This is a
big savings for the medical community as well as reducing waste to be
burned.  Medical incinerators are a major source of airborne
contaminants such as mercury and are not regulated to the same degree as
hazardous waste incinerators.  I view the electron-beam technology (no
matter how the radiation is generated) as a major benefit for
environmental and public-health interests.

Any opinions expressed are my own.

Regards,
Susan Gawarecki
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Susan L. Gawarecki, Ph.D., Executive Director
Oak Ridge Reservation Local Oversight Committee, Inc.
136 S Illinois Ave, Ste 208, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Phone (865) 483-1333; Fax (865) 482-6572; E-mail loc@icx.net 
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