Ensuring the Safe Use of Radioactive Sources: Progress and Remaining Challenges

The concepts of 'safety' and 'security' are examined with the purpose of reaching a common basic understanding on the meaning of ensuring the safe use of radioactive sources by maintaining their continuous global control throughout their life cycle. The origins of the international interest on the safety and security of radioactive sources are described within the frameworks established by the IAEA's statutory functions and by the growing global concerns on the menace posed by international terrorist activities. The enormous progress on the control of radioactive sources achieved until now by the international community is analysed, not only in terms of fostering information exchange but also of concrete undertakings. The possible future tackling of remaining challenges is explored. A call for action is submitted for achieving a robust international regime for the control of radioactive sources. (author)