Does irradiation generate radioactive wastes?
No. The process simply involves exposing food to a source of radiation. It does not create any new radioactive material. When the strength (activity) of radioactive sources such as cobalt or cesium falls below economical usage levels, the sources are returned in a licensed shipping container to the suppliers, who have the option of either reactivating them or storing them in a regulated place. Basically, the same procedures are followed when an irradiation plant closes down. The radiation sources can be acquired by another user or returned to the supplier, the machinery dismantled, and the building used for other purposes. When a machine source such as electron beam or X-ray generators, which use electricity as their power sources, is used for irradiating food, neither radioactivity nor radioactive materials is involved.
