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10 October 2008

Answer to Question #1156 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Medical and Dental Equipment/Shielding — Equipment

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I live in a house/office in the San Francisco/Bay Area that my grandfather used to practice medicine out of. There is an old x-ray room and a large x-ray machine and table that has been taken apart. Does the room or machine pose any health risks? Do I need to take precautions when disposing of the machine?

The old x-ray equipment presents no risk from the radiation. I would suggest that you contact one of the companies in your area that deals with x-ray equipment and ask them to remove it for you as they would know how to handle the equipment. There is the possibility that the insulating oil in the x-ray tube may contain some pollutants that need careful disposal. Depending on the age of the equipment (the older the better!), some collectors may be interested in it—and you might be able to get them to remove it at no cost, or even to pay you for the equipment, especially the x-ray tube. There may be other chemicals that need appropriate disposal. For example, there may be old photographic chemicals or mercury. Mercury was often used in some lamps for ultraviolet therapy. Any hazardous materials should be disposed of by appropriate companies or authorities.

Joel Gray, PhD

Answer posted on 31 August 2001. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.