What type of waste includes items exposed to radionuclides and radioactive materials?

The type of waste that includes items exposed to radionuclides and radioactive materials is classified as radioactive waste. This classification is primarily due to the nature of the materials involved, which can emit radiation and pose significant health risks. Radioactive waste is generated in a variety of contexts, including medical applications such as radiation therapy for cancer treatment, certain diagnostic procedures, and nuclear medicine.

This category of waste requires specific handling, storage, and disposal methods to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards, given the potential hazards associated with radiation exposure. Proper management of radioactive waste is crucial to protect human health and the environment, as it may remain hazardous for extended periods.

Other types of waste mentioned do not involve radionuclides or radioactive materials. Chemical waste typically contains hazardous chemicals, pharmaceutical waste pertains to expired or unused medications, and infectious waste includes items contaminated with pathogens. Each of these categories has its own unique handling and disposal protocols, but none relate to radioactivity in the same way radioactive waste does.