Reducing Terrorist Threat Through the Management of Radioactive Sources in Latin America and the Caribbean

There is a growing worldwide concern about potential terrorist acts involving radioactive sources, mainly when used in conventional explosives laced with radioactive materials (radiological dispersal devices), primarily because of the disturbing psychological impact and the major costs of decontamination that such events would trigger. A large number of radiation sources are used around the Americas’ region in radiation therapy; with many more found in other medical, industrial, and food irradiation devices. The security of radioactive materials used in these applications has traditionally been relatively low. In many Latin American and Caribbean countries, the regulatory oversight of radiation sources and national policies on radioactive waste management are insufficient or absent. Radiation safety standards in these countries are so poor that even large radioactive sources are outside of any regulatory control and could easily be stolen, especially if those involved have no regard for their own health. There were two serious accidents, both caused by thefts of radiotherapy sources from abandoned cancer clinics and subsequent dispersal of radioactive material: in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, in 1984, and in Goiânia, Brazil, in 1987. Minor incidents have also been reported by the Pan American Health Organization, Regional Office of the World Health Organization for the Americas (PAHO/WHO). PAHO/WHO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been aware of the issues and taken action.