Use of radiation sources: overview, national and international regulations

Radiation sources are of a broad use from medicine to industry and to research. 33 French companies among the 50 most important use radioactivity one way or another in their activities. Radiation sources have a real economic impact and like any manufactured product are involved in international trade. On these grounds national and international regulations are required to assure public safety and an adequate handling of radiation sources. In France 4 main actors: DGSNR (general authority for nuclear safety and radiation protection), IRSN (institute for radiation protection and nuclear safety), ANDRA (national agency for the management of radioactive wastes) and the 'Resources' association, are commissioned to deliver licences concerning the production, sale, dispatching, handling, use and the disposal of radiation sources. Despite strict regulations, about 70 sources a year are considered lost or beyond any control throughout the European Union. This article gives an overview of the situation and presents regulations in France, in the European Union and what is proposed on an international level by IAEA. (A.C.)