Chemical Forums

Specialty Chemistry Forums => Nuclear Chemistry and Radiochemistry Forum => Topic started by: QuantumCore on March 15, 2019, 05:50:38 AM

Title: Is this a radioactive waste?
Post by: QuantumCore on March 15, 2019, 05:50:38 AM

Hi there everyone. New member here.  I have this chemical waste dug up from a builders building new warehouse near me in my neibourghood. Any professional can tell if its nuclear waste?? Iv taken puctures and also I took samples, they are kinda heavy. As far as I searched looks like Uranyl trioxide, but all Uranyl salts look yellow to me.
Please help identify the substance or what I must do to identify it? There is also a sticky goo within one of barrels.

Best Regards

Title: Re: Is this a radioactive waste?
Post by: Borek on March 15, 2019, 06:00:06 AM

No one will be able to help you just by looking at the pictures.

No idea how things work where you live, but in general it is impossible to determine what it is without some specialized equipment. I would try to call police or firefighters.

Title: Re: Is this a radioactive waste?
Post by: Enthalpy on March 15, 2019, 08:17:22 AM

Find a Geiger counter somewhere (university, eBay, kit...) and check for radioactivity.

Such barrels are ubiquitous and yellow substances too, so I wouldn't think spontaneously of radioactive waste - only in specific locations. But neither would I feel that these barrels are at the right place there.

Title: Re: Is this a radioactive waste?
Post by: Mitch on March 15, 2019, 09:54:48 AM

Radioactive waste would be labeled more clearly, no matter the jurisdiction. But, you can buy Geiger counters online to assuage your radioactive concerns.

Title: Re: Is this a radioactive waste?
Post by: billnotgatez on March 15, 2019, 04:28:29 PM

@QuantumCore
Is this location in the USA?