Use of Biodegradable LSC Cocktails

[Kristin Erickson <10525kfb@msu.edu>]

Hello:

Regarding "biodegradable" LSC cocktails, the answer to Sue's questions are:

1.	We do not encourage, in fact, discourage use of these cocktails.
2.	This is because there has NOT been any good research on them to
show they are okay in the environment.
3.	We do not permit sink disposal of biodegradable cocktails.
4.	Yes, we do need permission from our regional (state and city)
agencies to dispose any radioactive or hazardous material down the drain,
very informal, but must have their "informed consent", so to speak.
5.	Criteria for disposal is like with all other rad waste, tag it,
contain it properly, request pickup, we pick it up, we dispose.
6.	Only the limits required for sewer or for the vendor (drum, DOT,
etc. limits) are necessary for this waste to be disposed.  We dispose
through Permafix, very cheap, very safe, very compliant.
7.	We also were told there was some research done, and when we
examined it, it was inadequate, grossly so.  (If I take a fish and put it
in a solution of these cocktails, and he doesn't die quickly, is that a
good study?  Not in our opinion!)  We had our toxicologists look at these
cocktails, and they recommended against using them.  There are chemicals in
them that are not proven to be safe for people, animals or the environment.
As stated with the mercury, many are hazardous or toxic.


Finally, to respond to Wes Van Pelt's question about diluting the 42 ppb of
Hg with water, that is typically not legal as a disposal management method
for chemicals.  In fact, mercury itself is very strictly regulated by EPA
AND by state and local agencies, which are often more restrictive than the
Federal limit.  The EPA limit is 200 ppb, but our local POTW has a limit of
5 ppb.   I highly recommend that you investigate your area limits before
beginning or continuing sewer disposal of the "biodegradable" cocktails.

Considering disposal through Permafix is so terribly cheap, why do
otherwise?  Yes, it is easier in some ways to dispose in the sewer, but I
have not yet heard a good enough reason for us to change our method of
shipping out, whole vial intact, in drums.

Sue, I posted here because some of these things are of general interest.
If I have erred, I am sure you will all let me know! <grin>

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Kristin

Kristin Erickson, Radiation Safety Officer
Office of Radiation, Chemical and Biological Safety
C124 Research Complex- Engineering
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan 48824

517 355-5008                    Fax 517 353-4871
10525kfb@msu.edu		http://www.orcbs.msu.edu