U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Distribution of Products Irradiated in Research Reactors

HPPOS-095 PDR-9111210196

Title: Distribution of Products Irradiated in Research

Reactors

See the letter from F. J. Miraglia to All Non-Power Reactor

Licensees dated June 25, 1986. The letter states that

irradiation of products in a reactor is not prohibited;

however, 10 CFR 30.14 prohibits the introduction of

byproduct material into products for distribution to

unlicensed persons except per license requirements

contained in 10 CFR 32.11 or equivalent Agreement State

regulations. Included with the letter is an NRC Policy

Statement published in the Federal Register on March 16,

1965 (30 FR 3462).

The NRR office had received inquiries concerning products

irradiated in research reactors that were subsequently

distributed to unlicensed persons. The inquiries were

related to the irradiation of gems, silicon chips, and

other products.

The NRC is concerned that these products may acquire

relatively long-lived induced radioactivity when irradiated

in a reactor. Although irradiation of products in a

reactor is not prohibited, 10 CFR 30.14 prohibits

introduction of byproduct material into a product for

distribution to an unlicensed distributor, unless the

distributor has a specific license issued pursuant to 10

CFR 32.11. Because Agreement States do not issue this type

of license, the NRC has exclusive jurisdiction over

reactors and distribution of radioactive consumer products.

Licensees are responsible for assuring that distributors of

any product that has acquired induced radioactivity in

their reactor be licensed to distribute these products in

accordance with 10 CFR 30.14 (c) and 30.31. If licensees

directly distribute irradiated products to unlicensed

individuals, a new license must be obtained to reflect this

activity.

Regulatory references: 10 CFR 30.14, 10 CFR 32.11

Subject codes: 3.5, 3.8, 12.2

Applicability: All