What type of radiation sources requires careful handling with tools?

Brachytherapy sources require careful handling with tools due to their radioactive nature and the associated potential for significant exposure if not handled properly. These sources are often placed inside or very close to the area needing treatment and emit radiation directly to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. The handling of brachytherapy sources necessitates specialized tools and equipment, such as forceps or applicators, to ensure that the radiation does not expose the healthcare providers or patients unwarrantedly.

In contrast, radioactive waste materials, although hazardous, are typically contained and handled under different protocols, often involving shielding and disposal rather than manipulation with tools. Non-radioactive but hazardous materials pose their own risks but do not involve ionizing radiation, so the handling considerations differ significantly. X-ray machines require caution and safety measures, but they do not utilize physical sources of radiation that need direct handling in the same way brachytherapy sources do. Thus, the specifics of brachytherapy handling underscore why this choice is deemed most appropriate.