Talk:Low level waste
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[edit] Definition?
I thought that radioactive waste was classified as "low level" "medium level" and "high level".
Low level defined as waste mostly suspected of beinng contaminated or contaminated at such a low level that a few hundred years would be enough for decay. The problem would be that an alpha (or beta) emitter would not be detectable inside a thick rag but could be deadly if ingested. (Alpha and beta emitters have very short reach (and usually life) and are only dangerous if inhaled or breathed)
Medium level defined as waste with long life and at dangerous concentrations. Examples would be reactor components, fuel casings and such.
High level defined as spent fuel, very dangerous for a long time.
At least in Sweden they burn burnable low level waste in pure oxygen, check the flue gases for radiactivity (easy in gaseous form) (and sometimes dissolve the ash, check the fluid in thin layer) and can verify that there are no radioactivity in the waste. Seniorsag 13:51, 13 March 2007 (UTC)
