From the lost radium files: misadventures in the absence of training, regulation, and accountability.

Purpose: Radium was the foundation of brachytherapy in the early decades of the 20th century. Despite being a most precious and perilous substance, it was mislaid with surprising frequency. This essay explores how it was lost, the efforts taken to recover it, and measures instituted to prevent mishandling.

Safety and security of radiation sources in the aftermath of 11 September 2001.

The attack on the United States on 11 September 2001 resulted in an increased awareness of the need for safety and security measures to protect against terrorism. The potential use of radiation sources in terrorism, in particular radioactive sources, was recognized prior to 11 September 2001, but has taken on new significance since. The planning of security measures for radioactive sources must take greater account of the potential for deliberate acts to attack or use radioactive sources to expose people and cause contamination.

Too many notes?

Orphan sources are now recognized as a radiation protection problem needing attention. Government and private sector initiatives have been mounted in response. Should more be done? There are promising possibilities.