Number
299-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
Health services
Function
Photochemical
X-Ray Absorber
Process
Use of functional fluids in small devices
Other
Product category
Photo-chemicals
Application
Substitution of chemical products used for radiography fixation and developing
Abstract
The radiology service of the hospital Parc Taulí, Spain, used several chemical products for fixing and developing X-rays. These products, widely used in hospitals, contain hydroquinone, which is carcinogenic and a neurotoxic and boric acid which is an endocrine disrupter. In 2004 these products were replaced by a digitised radiography system. This is a display of digital medical imaging for diagnostic use with a range of software called RAIM.
Substituted substances
Hydroquinone
CAS No. 123-31-9 EC No. 204-617-8 Index No. 604-005-00-4
Chemical group
Phenols
Classification: hazard statements
H351 Suspected of causing cancer
H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H318 Causes serious eye damage
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
Boric acid
CAS No. 10043-35-3 EC No. 233-139-2 Index No. 005-007-00-2
Chemical group
Boron compounds; inorganic acids
Classification: hazard statements
H360FD May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child
Other adverse effects
The substance is: endocrine disruptor cat. 1 (EU EDC database), as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).
Reliability of information
Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication
Reason substitution
other toxic effects
CMR
skin/respiratory sensitizing
ecotoxicity
Other type of alternative
Digitised radiography system, consisting of a display of digital medical imaging for diagnostic use with a range of software called RAIM (Radiological Archive and Image Management).
Hazard Assessment
Substances to be substituted: Substituted products contained hydroquinone and boric acid . Hydroquinone may cause an allergic skin reaction, according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation). It fulfils the criteria to be listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Boric acid is a Substance of very high concern and is included on the REACH candidate list for authorization, according to Article 59 of Regulation (EG) No. 1907/2006. (REACH Regulation). These risks are eliminated due to the digitised radiography system. Alternative substances Non-chemical alternative
Description of Substitution
The radiology services of the Parc Taulí Hospital in Spain, used several products for fixing and developing radiographies. These chemicals became a hazardous waste which had to be disposed of properly. The fixing product contained hydroquinone, a carcinogenic, mutagenic and sensitizing substance. It also contained boric acid, Which is a reprotoxicant and a suspected endocrine disrupter. In 2004, the hospital decided to replace this process by a digitised radiography system, consisting in a display of digital medical imaging for diagnostic use with a range of software called RAIM (Radiological Archive and Image Management). In addition to conventional radiography, RAIM programs provide support for multiple types of scans: Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, etc.. All these electronically scanned images can be printed on plastic material, if required, using a laser printer.
Advantages
- Elimination of the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Reduction of the environmental impact due to the minimization in waste generation
- Immediate access to full information of the patients’ tests. Integration with other hospital information systems that manage the activities and workflows.
- Possibility to share, simultaneously, reviews and diagnosis.
- Increase in diagnostic performance (comparison of different data scans with different criteria and graphical layouts; possibility of using different monitors and distances, angles and elliptical areas; making measurements, expansion and / or reduction of the image, signal strength, possibility of displaying images individually or in series, modification of the grey levels of the images, etc.).
- Avoidance of unnecessary travels for patients and professionals (improved work organization).
- Reduction of the loss of documentation and of space for storing files. Easy retrieval of stored information.
- Significant cost savings (it can be used with any Windows-compatible computer, which makes the system affordable).
Case/substitution evaluation
The substitution is very positive as it eliminates health and environmental risks, by hydroquinone and boric acid and avoids the need to manage hazardous waste, which also saves money.
State of implementation
Full capacity
Date and place of implementation
2004, Spain
Enterprise using the alternative
https://www.tauli.cat/udiat/usuaris/contacte
Availability of Alternative
On the market
Type of information supplier
User
Contact
See enterprise using the alternative.
Further information
AGFA Revelador (only available in Spanish) https://www.electromedical.net/revelador-agfa-manual-g150-para-6l-12x6l-p-1-50-1004-o-8/">https://www.electromedical.net/revelador-agfa-manual-g150-para-6l-12x6l-p-1-50-1004-o-8/">https://www.electromedical.net/revelador-agfa-manual-g150-para-6l-12x6l-p-1-50-1004-o-8/
Date, reviewed
November 26, 2021