Radioactive sources are used every day in numerous medical, industrial and research applications around the world. However, their mismanagement has the potential to cause significant harm to people, property and the environment. If these sources were to be lost or stolen and fall into the wrong hands, they could cause bodily harm, significant social disruption, and anxiety in the community. Just one of the results would be damage to the reputation and credibility of any organisation involved.
Although adequate security measures will significantly reduce the risks posed by high activity radioactive sources, such as the Category 1 and 2 sources as defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)1, replacing the sources with alternative technologies would permanently reduce the risk and potential liability for your organisation.
In this special publication, we describe the advantages and disadvantages of several alternative technologies used in medicine, industry, research and academia. Our goal is not to take a particular stance on the issue or to make specific recommendations; rather, it is to help you consider whether it would be appropriate to replace some or all of the radioactive source technologies that you currently use with an alternative—particularly if the replacement is more effective, less burdensome, and less costly.
In preparing this publication, we have considered the experience of medical, industrial and academic practitioners and regulators. We have also considered guidance material published by the IAEA, selected national regulators and two WINS workshops focused on the international community’s experience with alternative technologies.
WINS Members can access this publication from the Knowledge Centre menu of their Members Area.
