NRC Takes Notice of Nuclear-powered Signs and Other Devices

On January 21 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission staffers proposed reforms intended to close regulatory loopholes that allow for the uncontrolled possession and deposition of nuclear-powered devices. The proposal was presented to a NRC commission meeting, convened in part to deal with the indiscriminate handling of tritium-powered signs. The off-hand handling of atomic-powered signage, according to testimony before the commission, has resulted in the sign's being carelessly broken and being unadvisedly sent to non-hazardous-waste landfills or incinerators.

The purpose of NRC staff proposal, however, went beyond the vexations posed by tritium-powered signs. The proposal would have owners of cesium-powered industrial meters and other instruments register annually with the government. It would also undertake the creation of a data base inventorying every atomic-powered device in the country. In addition, the proposal would increase the frequency of inspections of facilities selling such devices and boost fines for infractions.

The proposal also included setting up a study of the potential health threat from the improper handling of such devices. However, none of the regulatory reforms would activate until 2001. Even then, the NRC would have no enforcing authority.

Meanwhile, New Jersey officials are said to be seeking immediate remedies. They say that the state has more than 55,000 tritium-powered exit signs, which they are now removing from patient areas in state hospitals. Beyond that, they are contemplating an outright ban on the signs and other radioactive devices.