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29 August 2008

Answer to Question #4843 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 inherited an x-ray machine from my in-laws. It sits in the basement with a tube in it. We have never powered it up but it looks functional. Am I at any risk due to it sitting there? The unit is labeled as an Army field unit from before World War II.

The short answer is "no," you are not at risk from any radiation exposure unless the unit is powered and the x-ray tube is energized. Obviously I recommend that you do not power up this unit unless you are trained to operate x-ray equipment in general.

Typically, individual states have regulations regarding x-ray equipment that require that they be registered with the state you are in. Your state may require that this unit be registered, but may classify it as an inoperable x-ray tube if you have the power disconnected.

If you desire to get rid of this unit, I recommend that you contact the Health Physics Society because it may deserve a place in a museum. There are individuals in the Society who collect radiation artifacts (including old x-ray tubes) for display. If that doesn't work, your individual state radiation control agency can help assist you in finding a licensed/registered vendor that may be able to take the unit.

Ken "Duke" Lovins, CHP

Answer posted on 17 October 2005. 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.