High-Level Radioactive Wastes from ¹⁸F and ¹¹C Isotopes Production

Abstract

The production and use of radioactive tracers for positron emission tomography (PET) diagnostics in Poland generates various kinds of solid radioactive waste, the disposal of which requires special procedures. This study analyzes the replaceable elements of a medical cyclotron (i.e., a Havarfilm used for 18F- and 11C-label production). Nine samples were taken from the cyclotron between 2014 and 2016. In all of them, the quality and quantity of radioactive isotopes were analyzed. All samples of the Havar window were classified as high-activity radioactive waste, and after a time of cooling to reach medium level, a radioactive waste protocol was proposed. Storage of the waste materials in a selected room (e.g., in lead shields in a bunker at a medical center) enabled reduction of transportation and transfer costs to a radioactive waste disposal plant.