Radioactive Material Security
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Agreement States regulate the use of radioactive material in order to protect people and the environment. Material licensees have the primary responsibility to maintain the security and accountability of the radioactive material in their possession. The events of 9/11 have put new emphasis on security to prevent the malicious use of radioactive material, such as in dirty bombs. The NRC has been working with its Federal and State partners, as well as the international community, to provide appropriate safety and security requirements for radioactive materials without discouraging their beneficial use.
Radioactive byproduct material provides critical capabilities in the oil and gas, electrical power, construction and food industries; are used to treat millions of patients each year in diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures; and are used in technology research and development.
The actions taken by NRC address the legislation in Title VI - Nuclear Matters, Sub-Title D - Nuclear Security, of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The NRC manages material security primarily through its Office of Federal and State Materials and Environmental Management Programs (FSME), and the Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response (NSIR).
NRC Activities for Radioactive Material Security
- Public Meetings on Transportation of Radioactive Material in Quantities of Concern
- Security Enhancement Activities
- Security Orders and Requirements
- Integrated Source Management Portfolio (ISMP)
- Export and Import of Radioactive Byproduct Material
- Task Force on Radiation Source Protection and Security
