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Radiation Source Security and Replacement
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The
security of radiation sources has been and continues to be a top priority for
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The NRC’s efforts have been effective,
keeping incidents involving radiation sources and radioactive materials to a
minimum and their potential consequences low.
Most lost or stolen sources are quickly recovered, resulting in minimal
or no radiation exposures or contamination. The NRC works with domestic and
international organizations on a variety of initiatives to make
risk-significant radiation sources more secure and less vulnerable to
terrorists.
While
the NRC has focused its efforts on securing radioactive sources so they may
continue to be used in medicine, industry and research, concern that these
materials could be used by terrorists in a so-called “dirty bomb” has prompted
calls for alternative technologies to replace certain radioactive materials. In
the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Congress mandated three examinations of
potential alternative technologies:
The Radiation Source Protection and Security
Task Force, comprised of 14 federal agencies including the NRC, was created by
the act to examine the security of radioactive sources and potential
alternative technologies. The task force is currently developing reports on
cesium chloride and alternative technologies. The NRC was directed to contract with the
National Academies for an independent study of alternative technologies for
certain radioactive sources. The National Academies report was released in
February 2008. Most of the issues raised in the report are already being
addressed through the Radiation Source Protection and Security Task Force. The Department of Energy was also directed
to report to Congress on alternative technologies. DOE’s report was submitted
in 2006.
In
addition, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Defense Sciences Board and
the Department of Homeland Security are studying alternative technologies to
certain radiation sources.
The NRC believes any effort to replace radiation sources
with alternative technologies should proceed with caution in order to
minimize disruption in vital areas of industry, medicine and research. |
The
radiation sources in question are used to treat millions of patients each year
in diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures. They provide critical
capabilities in the oil and gas, electrical power, construction and food
industries, and are used in technology research and development. In the United States, about 2,000 licensees possess the radiation
sources considered the most sensitive from a security perspective.
Alternative Technologies
Alternative
technologies to radiation sources may include the replacement of a radiation
source with an equivalent (or improved) process that does not require the use
of radionuclides. Another approach is to
replace a radiation source with a different radiation source that poses a lower
risk to public health and safety if it were involved in an accident or used in
a terrorist attack. The majority of
these sources are cobalt-60, cesium-137, or iridium-192 used in medical
applications, such as gamma knives and blood irradiators, and industrial and
research applications, such as radiography cameras, well logging, and
industrial and research irradiators. |
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| Figure 1 - Blood Irradiator |
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The NRC welcomes recommendations to enhance the safety and security of
radiation sources and lower the potential risk of terrorist use of radiation
sources. Alternative technologies to radiation sources may be one approach to
accomplishing this goal. However, the NRC bases its licensing decisions on whether
its requirements have been met, without evaluating whether other technologies
could have been used. Traditionally, market forces have driven demand for the
use of radiation sources and their alternatives in devices. |
| Figure 2 - Radiography Camera |
While alternative technologies are being studied, the NRC continues to strengthen the
security of the most sensitive radiation sources. Securing these materials can
be an inexpensive and effective way of ensuring that society continues to reap
their benefits while reducing the potential for their misuse.
For
more information on radiation source replacement and alternative technologies,
see NRC’s Web page on Security
for Radioactive Materials.
“The security of radioactive sources is a top
priority for the NRC. Along with state agencies and our federal partners,
we have taken strong steps to reduce the danger of these materials falling
into the wrong hands. Our constant vigilance in this area will help
maintain the beneficial uses of these materials as the federal government,
states and industry explore potential alternatives.”
- NRC
Chairman Dale E. Klein |
February 2008
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