Radiological Waste Discovered In Landfill

BROOKSVILLE - Six containers of radiological medical waste were discovered among the recyclables at the county landfill Monday afternoon.

The building was evacuated while fire officials investigated, including four employees who were potentially exposed to the waste.

It was soon determined that no one was at risk and operations continued as normal.

"It wasn't that big of a deal," said Frank DeFrancesco, assistant chief of Hernando County Fire Rescue.

The waste, roughly four ounces, was identified as Tc-99m, a compound used for medical testing. The material has such a short half-life that it was not dangerous by the time it arrived at the landfill, DeFrancesco said.

Investigators traced it back to an Access Healthcare clinic, but officials weren't sure which one exactly was responsible on Monday afternoon.

That's one piece of the puzzle though.

"How it was removed is a question mark," said Cecilia Patella, director of county emergency management.

The waste was likely taken from the disposal area in the rear of the facility, so it's not as though a thief broke into the clinic, said Sgt. Donna Black, sheriff's spokeswoman.