Is Lead Foil Hazardous Waste?

Q. Is the lead foil contained in the dental x-ray package considered hazardous waste?

A. Yes, lead foil would be regulated as hazardous waste since lead is a heavy metal that affects neurological development and functions and can potentially leach from landfills into the environment. However, the preferred alternative by most state health and environmental departments is that the lead foil be sent for scrap metal reclamation (i.e. recycled). Therefore, no form of lead should be placed in the solid waste (trash). Several companies recycle lead foil. For example, they will send you a small container that will hold about a one year’s supply of foil. When the container is full, the foil is returned to the company for recycling and the appropriate paper work is sent back to the office. For a list of companies that offer recycling programs for lead foil, please contact Dynamic Dental Safety: blog@dynamicdentalsafety.com or (888) 669-8846 ext 701.