Certified Materials and Resource Professional Practice 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Excellence!

Medical isotopes are an example of radioactive hazardous waste because they are specialized substances used in diagnostic imaging and treatment in healthcare settings. These isotopes emit radiation as they decay, which is a fundamental characteristic of radioactive materials. When used in medical procedures, they can become radioactive waste once they lose their usefulness or exceed their safe usage limits.

Unlike the other options, medical isotopes can pose significant health and environmental risks if not managed properly due to their radioactive properties. Surgery leftovers, organic materials, and cleaning agents do not inherently contain radioactive elements and so do not classify as radioactive hazardous waste. Instead, they fit into different categories of waste with their respective disposal and management protocols.