Originally Posted By: jcampbell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hello All…
I recently inspected a old farm house that in recent years was home to a veterinarian who possibly used an x ray machine in the home. Now there was a big piece of equipment in the barn covered up that looked like an x ray machine but I am not sure. Sorry no photo.
I read discussion earlier this week about building have to certified against having any residual traces of radiation. Should I point this out... I think so... but am i over reacting... what is your opinion... ?
Vet was in business around 5-7 years, no telling how long the machine was in use...
Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jeff,
I'll put myself in your shoes....(seen as I've never ran into this situation before).
I would recommend to my client to request the Sellers to have this abandoned equipment removed and not mention anything about radiation. I would imagine that whatever radiation this equipment did give off in the past years, is gone by now.
Originally Posted By: jcampbell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Todd,
My concern was more geared to any levels of radiation left over by the operation of the x ray vs. the machine itself... It will be the sellers responsibility to dispose of the unit... I am going to point it out to the buyers... already did verbally, but just to let them know it is there, but we do not do any testing or evaluation of the equipment or effects.
It does not appear to be that old... digital readouts...??
Originally Posted By: tallen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Production of X-rays
All diagnostic x-rays come from electricity, and are turned into radiation with an x-ray tube, with is basically a fancy light bulb. X-rays are produced when high energy electrons are slammed into a dense metal target, usually made of tungsten, and decelerated rapidly. Some small amount of the electrons' kinetic energy is converted into x-rays. Just like a light bulb, when the high voltage power to the tube is turned off, there is no further radiation produced and no residual radiation left over. This is in contrast to an isotope source of radiation, which is continually emitting radiation. In addition, unlike some other forms of radiation, diagnostic x-rays do not have enough energy to make anything exposed to them radioactive. This means that neither the patient nor anything else in the room becomes radioactive after an exposure.
Originally Posted By: jcampbell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I am not stating whether there is or is not… or even if the possibility is there… just curious for my own peace of mind if there would be any concern… does not appear so… but again… not within the scope of the inspection…
Originally Posted By: cradan This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
to be x-ray equipment is located in the barn, you might consider doing a little research first. The likelihood of radioactive contamination where an x-ray generator was in use is, indeed, slim. Nonetheless, every State has laws, processes and procedures regarding registration, reporting and conduct. Check first.
