Unwanted radioactive sources in the public domain: a historical perspective

In the 1920's, reports of radium sources entering the public domain in an uncontrolled manner began to appear in the press and in the literature. Additionally, gold jewelry was made from depleted radon gold seeds which, in some cases, resulted in radiation injuries to the persons wearing the jewelry. Such jewelry was made as early as 1910. For many years, radium was distributed and used largely without regulatory oversight for safety. In the 1950's, increasing concern over the radiation hazards associated with the inadequate use, control, and disposal of radium sources resulted in increased regulatory oversight by the States, with significant assistance from the U.S. Public Health Service. In 1958, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission staff proposed extension of the general license concept to include measuring, gauging, and controlling devices. Since then, more than 1.8 million radioactive devices have been distributed under the general licenses in 10 CFR Part 31.5 and equivalent Agreement State regulations. These devices are typically used with minimal regulatory oversight. In recent years there has been an increasing number of reports of radioactive sources and devices appearing in the public domain as a result of inadequate control and disposal of these items with attendant risk of environmental contamination and radiation exposure. As a result of concerns over these developments there have been calls for increased regulatory oversight of general licensees. It is ironic that the present problems are the result of a program that was established about the time that States were increasing regulatory oversight over radium to address similar problems with radium.