The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission today announced it will not ban the use of cesium-137 chloride (CsCl) radiation devices, such as those used by hospitals to irradiate blood, before a replacement technology is available. Banning or phasing-out cesium chloride radiation sources at before a replacement form or other technology is available would be counterproductive, because society would lose the many benefits these sources provide in medicine, industry and research,said NRC Chairman Dale Klein. The AHA had urged the commission not to ban or require replacement of the devices for similar reasons.
AHA News Now, April 15, 2009 (www.aha.org)
Background information obtained from position letter from AHA to U.S. NRC, dated October 14, 2008: A recent National Academy of Sciences study recommends the replacement or elimination of CsCl due to its potential risk to individuals, society and the environment if improperly handled or used in a malicious act. While we understand the NRC’s concerns, the AHA urges the Commission to proceed cautiously as it considers these complex issues, particularly the medical use and research applications of CsCl, so as not to adversely impact patient care and advances in biomedical research. Blood irradiation is medically necessary for some patients to prevent transfusion-associated graft versus host disease. CsCl blood irradiators are the most reliable, efficient and low-maintenance tools available. Hospitals that have blood donation centers or treat significant numbers of immuno-compromised patients often own such irradiators. CsCl irradiators also play an important role in medical research related to understanding and treating cancer and other serious illnesses. They also are used to develop countermeasures for radiologic terrorism.
Letter can be retieved at: http://www.aha.org/aha/letter/2008/081014-cl-pollack-nrc.pdf
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