Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Too many notes?

Joel O Lubenau1

  • 1lubenau@supernet.com

Health Physics
|January 19, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Orphan radioactive sources pose a radiation protection challenge. Updating regulations to justify radiation use and simplify disposal is crucial for enhancing safety and managing these sources effectively.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

From the lost radium files: misadventures in the absence of training, regulation, and accountability.

International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics·2012
Same author

2011 Health Physics Society Honor Roll. Thomas M. Gerusky.

Health physics·2011
Same author

Exporting radioactive sources: do it right.

Health physics·2004
Same author

Safety and security of radiation sources in the aftermath of 11 September 2001.

Health physics·2002

Area of Science:

  • Radiation Protection
  • Nuclear Safety
  • Regulatory Policy

Background:

  • Orphan sources represent a significant radiation protection concern.
  • Current regulatory frameworks, such as those from the NRC, may not fully align with international guidelines like ICRP 60.
  • Existing systems present disincentives for the proper disposal of unwanted radioactive sources.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the current challenges associated with orphan sources.
  • To propose necessary updates to U.S. regulatory policies for radiation safety.
  • To identify strategies for improving the disposition of radioactive materials.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of existing regulatory policies in comparison to ICRP 60 principles.
  • Identification of alternative technologies to radioactive sources (e.g., x-ray gauges).
  • Assessment of barriers to the safe and timely disposal of radioactive sources.

Main Results:

  • The principle of justification for radiation use, as per ICRP 60, is not consistently applied in current U.S. licensing.
  • Alternative technologies exist but are not widely adopted or recognized by regulators.
  • The process for disposing of unwanted sources is complex, costly, and lacks clear guidance.

Conclusions:

  • U.S. regulatory policies need revision to incorporate the ICRP's justification principle.
  • A streamlined system is required to encourage the prompt and safe disposition of radioactive sources.
  • Increased awareness and accessible information are vital for users and regulators regarding orphan source management.

Related Experiment Videos