?Moving Towards an International Notification System for Radioactive Sources and ?Radioactive Mate

Despite a clear need, there is no binding international instrument that requires states to report the loss of regulatory control over hazardous radioactive sources or hazardous other radioactive materials that contain significant amounts of radioactivity. A binding agreement is needed because these materials pose a global threat as potential fuel for Radiological Dispersion Devices (RDDs) or Radiological Exposure Devices (REDs).1 The financing, speed of transport, and global connections available to groups that might use an RDD or RED makes the loss of control in any state a potential threat to the people, property, and the environment in all other states. Providing for mandatory notice of loss of control, while not eliminating the threat, would provide advance warning of potential RDD or RED activity and thereby increase the chances that any such use would be unsuccessful. A mandatory reporting requirement for reporting loss of regulatory control of significant amounts of radioactive material would therefore enhance global security.