Key Issues
Transporting Radioactive Materials
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December 2007
Key Facts
December 2007
Key Facts
- Of almost 400 million packages of hazardous material shipped each year in the United States, radioactive materials account for less than 1 percent. Of these 3 million packages, the vast majority are shipments of radiopharmaceuticals and radioisotopes used in medical applications.
- Other shipments include low- and high-level radioactive waste, uranium in various forms, and fuel for nuclear power plants. About 250,000 packages per year contain radioactive materials that are byproducts of electricity generation by nuclear power plants.
- Transported radioactive materials include radiographic devices; radiopharmaceuticals; smoke detectors; luminous dials and indicators; waste from industrial, medical and electricity-generating facilities contaminated with low levels of radioactivity; and new and used nuclear fuel.
- The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission strictly regulate the safety and security of radioactive material shipments. DOT and the NRC also are responsible for ensuring that U.S. regulations are compatible with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) protocols for international shipments of radioactive materials.
- The nuclear industry has safely transported more than 45 million packages of radioactive ma-terials. Strict packaging and handling requirements help ensure the industry will maintain its excellent safety record.
