1 May (NucNet): The International Atomic Energy Agency has helped remove 27 disused highly radioactive sources from five South American countries in a significant step forward for nuclear safety and security in the region, the Vienna-based UN agency said on 30 April 2018. It was the largest such project ever facilitated by the IAEA.
The material, mainly used for medical purposes such as treating cancer and sterilising instruments, was transported to Germany and the US for recycling. Canada, where some of the sources were manufactured, funded the project following requests for IAEA support from Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.
The sealed cobalt-60 and caesium-137 sources pose safety and security risks when no longer in use.
The project, carried out over five months, started in Peru and Uruguay late last year before continuing in Bolivia, Ecuador and Paraguay in February and March. The transport of sources to Germany and the US was completed at the end of March.
Some of the sources were stored at hospitals for more than 40 years.
