Nuclear Waste Management

Cross my heart, I believe that nuclear waste management is an important environmental issue. Those little radioactive isotopes can contribute so much to our lives, it behooves us to figure out a safe way to deal with them once we're done with them. But I must admit to being slightly bewildered when I received the following instructions earlier this week at the doctor's office where I went to have some nuclear imaging studies:

"We're going to start an IV, and inject some isotopes so we can take some pictures. After you receive the injection, we'll need to wait about 30 minutes for it to travel through your body. If you need to use the restroom during that time, please be sure to use the one in our office, as your urine will be radioactive, and we have to follow special protocols to contain it."

Hmm. What can one possibly say to that except to nod with your gaze slightly lowered in a moment of slight embarassment. Having come of age in the era of "China Syndrome," "Silkwood" and Three Mile Island, I understand the negative connotations of radioactive contamination all too well.  I have since found out that the amount of radiation I received is equivalent to an x-ray. Teeny-tiny and reportedly quite safe. But somehow I never imagined that I would be considered a purveyor of nuclear waste, or require special protocols to deal with my pee.

So people's opinions about nuclear technology are generally not ambivalent. Black and white, for or against, yea or nay. But I find myself strangely caught over the divide. I certainly don't want to contribute to the contamination of the planet, but I also want to be able to use the best available technologies to ensure my health. Or to create electricity for my home. Or what ever it is. I have no idea how well nuclear imaging offices are equiped to deal with radioactive body waste. Truly, I hope someone did their homework on that before they started injecting those of us with the pains that can so cause you to take stock of life.... and pee.