Statistics on the Traffic of Radioactive Material, and the Resulting Radiation Exposures, in the European Union and Applicant Countries

Radioactive materials of natural or artificial origin are of widespread use across the world and are transported within and between countries. A wide range of materials are transported, from small quantities of radiopharmaceuticals for medical use to highly radioactive spent nuclear fuel and vitrified wastes arising from the nuclear fuel cycle. The handling and transport of these radioactive materials can give rise to radiation exposure of workers, and of members of the public. Statistical information on the transport of radioactive material and the radiation doses arising from these operations are important to: • demonstrate the efficacy of the IAEA Transport Regulations [1], • provide support for the continuous review and revision process of the IAEA Transport Regulations [1], • provide guidance and support to national, regional and international transport regulatory activities, • support and guide compliance assurance, • provide data for assessing and evaluating the doses and risks to workers and to members of the public, • identify needs and trends in national and international transport activities, and • provide factual information to assist in addressing public concern on these issues.