The Role of Regional and International Cooperation in Radiation Safety: The Moroccan Experience

The benefits of ionizing radiation to mankind are enormous when used safely and securely. These benefits are reflected in a broad spectrum of radiation technologies used in, inter alia, medicine, industry, energy production, and research, including, during abnormal conditions such as the pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The obvious and explicit acquaintance of humankind with ionizing radiation has lasted for more than a century. However, the potential radiation risk still needs thorough assessment, meticulous control, and continuous improvement. To ensure the protection of human life and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation, the IAEA has (a) established fundamental safety principles, requirements and measures to control the radiation exposure of people and the release of radioactive material into the environment; and (b) has been providing assistance to its Member States through national, regional and interregional cooperation projects. These standards are not only applicable during normal operations, but also showed their efficiency during emergency situations.