Radioactive materials

The use of radioactive material requires, in most cases, a license granted by the Icelandic Radiation Safety Authority. For example, license may be needed for:

• the import, export or use of radioactive material,

• storage or disposal of materials

• registration of the responsible person (ábyrgðarmaður) for the radioactive material

Exemptions are made for radioactive material below internationally recognized exempt levels. For more information, see the published report on exempt levels for radioactive materials:

Fees are charged for licenses and for required inspections of X-ray equipment and radioactive material. See the current list of fees here: gjaldskrá á vef Stjórnartíðinda

Radioactive material used for industrial or medical purposes, or for research, exist either as open or closed radiation sources. Licenses from the Icelandic Radiation Safety Authority are needed for the production, import, ownership, storage, transfer, and disposal of radioactive material in open or closed radiation sources. 

Open radiation sources 

A radiation source is considered open when the radioactive material is not enclosed in a tightly sealed container. The radioactive material may be in the form of gas, aerosol, liquid or solid, and contact and spread of the material may occur during use. For example, open radiation sources are used in medical applications of radiopharmaceuticals, for research purposes or in medical treatment of patients. 

In laboratories and in medical applications, open radiation sources generally refers to radioactive liquids.

Examples of materials classified as open sources are:

• imaging solutions for administration

• solutions and tablets for radiation therapy

• tracer substances for physiological research

Sealed radiation sources

Radiation sources are considered closed when the radioactive material is enclosed in tightly sealed containers, so that they are not in direct contact with the environment.

Examples of closed radiation sources are:

• radiation sources in chemical analysis

• radiation sources in measuring instruments

• radiometers and cameras

• radiation sources for radiation therapy