Speakers
Description
Sealed Radioactive Sources (SRS) have long served as the standard means of delivering
ionizing radiation across applications in medicine, research, public health, and industry.
In recent years, however, advances in non-SRS based technologies have expanded the
availability of viable alternatives capable of achieving equivalent, and in some cases
superior, performance. While radioactive sources may remain the preferred option for
certain cases, access to these alternative technologies potentially reduce the safety,
security, regulatory, and end-of-life management obligations traditionally associated
with sealed radioactive sources.
Although the adoption of alternative technologies can reduce long-term reliance on
radioactive materials, the transition from the traditional SRS-based technologies may
also generate disused sealed radioactive sources (DSRS). These DSRS, depending on
the isotope and activity, can remain dangerous for years to centuries and therefore
require safe, secure, sustainable management that ultimately ends in disposal. Drawing
on experiences from multiple States that have undertaken such transitions, this
presentation highlights both positive outcomes and implementation challenges,
emphasizing the need for coordinated planning and technical support mechanisms.
The discussion will balance the assessment of technological, regulatory, and strategic
considerations relevant to decision makers evaluating future equipment procurement
and focus on DSRS management strategies. It also outlines current international eƯorts
and assistance programs aimed at supporting States in assessing, adopting, and
managing alternative technologies responsibly.
