Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Following the discovery of radium by Marie Skłodowska-Curie and Pierre Curie at the turn of the 20th century, the element was used for decades in areas such as radiation therapy and brachytherapy, but is now largely unused, having given way to safer and more effective radioactive isotopes.
Dozens of countries around the world have disused radium sources, safely stored but not used. Under an IAEA initiative, about 80 participating countries with disused sources are working with organizations that can convert radium-226 into the extremely rare actinium-225 radioisotope, used in targeted alpha therapy to treat cancer.
Last month, a team of specialists from Brazil’s National Center for the Advancement of Nuclear Technologies and a U.S. radiopharmaceutical company prepared 397 radium-226 sources for shipment to the United States in August. Among them are three radium sources that Marie Sklodowska-Curie herself donated to the university hospital for research during her visit more than 80 years ago. Once delivered to the United States, these sources will significantly increase the supply of raw material for the production of actinium-225, helping advance cancer care worldwide.
“I highly appreciate the professionalism and leadership demonstrated by the Center for the Advancement of Nuclear Technologies in this important undertaking. As in previous operations in the Latin American and Caribbean region, our team of skilled professionals has made an important contribution to solving the problem of the long-lived radioactive and gas-emitting sources left over from previous activities, including the relics of Madame Curie,” said Francisco Rondinelli, Director General of Brazil’s National Atomic Energy Commission. “These efforts also provide valuable raw materials for the development of new tools for the treatment of cancer. This is what the circular economy in the context of nuclear applications is all about.”
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.