[QUOTE=Vega ECM;1908768]Ah no… The only way surrounding materials can be turned radioactive is if they were transformed into isotopes of the original. For this to occur Raduim would have radiate neutrons which it does not.

Apologies my doctorate is in organic chemistry rather than nuclear physics.

I had assumed that Low Level Waste was due to the interaction of the energetic particles with other nuclei with the result in the emission of various sub atomic particles with the resultant creation of nuclei that subsequently degrade further.

It is clear that the energetic emissions have a negative effect on atomic bonds which may also result in unstable species e.g. free radicals etc.

If I paraphrase what you are saying – all low level waste is solely due to particulates of the parent radioactive nuclei and its degradation products ?