X RAY FILM RECYCLING

X ray films are important for us only if we got a fracture or a chronic cough, else they are another waste of our household and a pollutant to our environment. But  the truth is that there are treasures hidden within each film.

X ray films are coated with silver salt and when x rays fall on them they are converted to elemental silver and we get the image. So silver can be extracted from both x ray films as well as from the solution in which it is washed.

The silver in the film is first dissolved in a chemical called "FIXER" and is then displaced from the fixer using steel (DISPLACEMENT REACTION).The plastic obtained after extraction of silver can also be recycled.

The silver obtained from each film is very minute and it does not make anyone rich. There are many companies which are working in this field of silver extraction and thereby protecting the environment.