Radioactive Sources: Applications and Alternative Technologies assesses the status of medical, research, sterilization, and other commercial applications of radioactive sources and alternative (nonradioisotopic) technologies in the United States and internationally. Focusing on Category 1, 2, and 3 sources, this report reviews the current state of these sources by application and reviews the current state of existing technologies on the market or under development that are or could be used to replace radioisotopic technologies in those applications. Radioactive Sources will support existing and future activities under the National Nuclear Security Administration Office of Radiological Security program to reduce the use of high-risk radiological materials in commercial applications.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Synopsis
Summary
1 Background and Study Task
2 Radioactive Source Uses, Risks, and Control
3 Alternative Technology Adoption and Development
4 Radiation Sources and Alternative Technologies in Medicine and Research
5 Radioactive Sources and Alternative Technologies in Sterilization
6 Radioactive Sources and Alternative Technologies in Industrial Applications
References
Appendix A: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff
Appendix B: Information-Gathering Meetings
Appendix C: Acronyms and Abbreviations
Appendix D: Glossary
Appendix E: Economic Feasibility of Adopting Alternative Technologies
Appendix F: Sterilization Using Radiation with Different Modalities