Some activities of the IAEA on the use of radioisotopes and radiation

Vol. 18-2

April 1976

The use of radioisotopes and radiation will continue to expand. There is an immediate and obvious use for radioisotopes in industry, medicine, agriculture and other branches of science. Working with isotopes and radiation is on the other hand an effective way of acquainting a large number of people with radiation and radioactivity, including radiation protection. One of the advantages of radioisotope technology is that it can be used in small laboratories such as those in universities, enhancing nuclear training. Owing to the extreme sensitivity and detectability of isotopes they are also advantageous in studies of the distribution of many materials, e.g. dust, air, water and soil. he programme of the IAEA in respect to the use of radioisotopes and radiation is concentrated mainly in the Department of Research and Isotopes. Some examples of IAEA activities in the application of radioisotopes will be mentioned in more detail, including isotope hydrology, physics, industrial applications, medicine and agriculture.