The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have agreed to enhance their cooperation around the transport of radioactive materials by air, notably to improve the efficiency and speed of these shipments that are vital for cancer care and other medical uses around the world.
What they’re saying: In a joint statement, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar underscored that the agreement also “highlights the importance of adherence to the IAEA safety standards for the safe use of radioactive materials and to ICAO standards for global civil aviation safety and security.”
- The agreement builds on the cooperation between both UN bodies on matters of common interest that began in 1960.
Why it matters: Nuclear medicine is based on access to radiopharmaceuticals for various diagnostic uses and specific therapies.
- Getting radiopharmaceuticals from the manufacturer to hospitals and medical clinics depends on fast and reliable transport, including by air.
- Over 10,000 hospitals worldwide use radioisotopes in medicine, mostly for diagnosis.
“The IAEA’s role in ensuring the safe transport of radioactive material by air is essential in the carriage of short-lived radiopharmaceuticals and other crucial radioactive materials,” remarked ICAO Secretary General Salazar. “ICAO welcomes the heightening of our collaboration in this vitally important area of mutual interest.”
The agreement encompasses developing and reviewing relevant IAEA safety standards and harmonizing best practices globally, with the IAEA and ICAO collaborating to collect and analyze associated information.
What’s next: Raising stakeholder awareness through education, training, and outreach is also foreseen, including around emergency preparedness.
- Radiation research and information exchange regarding radiation protection in civil aviation regarding cosmic radiation exposure to flight crews, is a further focus of the agreement.
The joint statement highlights that “stronger mutual cooperation will create a conducive environment for countries to harness the benefits of the peaceful uses of nuclear technology in meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.” It helps set the stage for deeper collaboration in the near future.