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,

• facilities, storage or disposal of materials

• registration of the responsible person

Exemptions are made for radioactive material below internationally recognized limit values. For more information, see: published

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 substances come 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 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 closed radiation sources are:

• sources of radiation in chemical analyzers

• radiation sources in measuring instruments

• radiometers and cameras

• sources for radiation therapy