The termination of the clinical life of sources of radioactive radiation

The termination of the clinical life of sources of radioactive radiation leads to the generation of radioactive waste, which needs to be discarded safely. Such substances are referred to as spent sealed sources and are divided into four categories depending on the concentration of radioactive substances and their half-lives. The first category comprises waste such as ¹⁹²Ir, which has elevated levels of activity and short half-lives. The second category includes substances with low levels of activity, which often find use as standards and calibration reagents. The third class encompasses substances that pose a higher risk of exposure due to emanation and leakage. These substances require stringent measures when handling them. The final category includes waste with low levels of radioactivity and half-lives that surpass 100 days.