Improving the management of spent radiation sources

Early in 1992, the IAEA started a programme to assist countries, particularly those in the developing world, in their efforts to avoid conditions that might result in accidents with radiation sources that are no longer in active use. In the past, accidents involving radiation sources have caused significant overexposure of people, even to the extent of fatalities, and have led to costly decontamination and other cleanup operations. Radiation sources typically are used in industry, medicine, and research for a variety of beneficial applications, including radiography and teletherapy. The central problem is caused by the lack of adequate measures when such sources are taken out of service. This article reviews some important aspects of the problems associated with improper or inadequate management of spent radiation sources. It further reports on efforts now being taken through the IAEA's newly launched programme, particularly those directed at helping countries identify, locate, and safely manage spent radiation sources that could pose public health and safety risks. 2 figs, 1 tab