Radioactive Waste Disposal (USPHS, 1959)

This NIH in-house training film shows how the largest user in the world of radioactive waste, NIH, disposed of low-level waste from 1949 until 1963. It shows testing; preparation and packaging of waste, monitoring and record keeping for procedures and personnel; and disposal, including use of regular sewer drains, special holding tanks, and ocean dumping. The film also shows and discusses truck convoys' and ships' special requirements for carrying radioactive wastes, especially carbon 14, hydrogen 3, tritium, and cobalt pellets. Shots include: Dr. Howard Andrews in his laboratory, aerials of NIH, exterior of the NIH Radiation Safety Office, the ship Cherokee, cintillation counter, urine sample collection box, film badge personnel monitoring devices, gas flow counter, and geiger counter.

Learn more about this film and search its transcript at NLM Digital Collections: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/8801039A

Learn more about the National Library of Medicine's historical audiovisuals program at: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/collectio...