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Radioactive materials have a wide range of uses in many fields due to their unique properties. In most cases, these require the radioactive materials to be transported from the location where they are mined or produced to the processing or end use location. Continue reading to find out more about the different uses of radioactive materials.

• Nuclear Power Plants: Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239 are used as fuel in nuclear reactors to generate electricity. The controlled fission of these materials releases a significant amount of energy, which is used to produce steam and drive turbines.  Nuclear Power Generation is a reliable low carbon source of electricity and will be vital to decarbonisation.
•  Space Exploration: Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) provide long-term power for spacecraft, satellites, and planetary rovers by converting heat released from radioactive decay into electricity. Figure 2 shows the NASA Voyager probe which has been powered by three thermoelectric generators since 1977 which has enabled them to become the only spacecraft ever to operate outside the heliosphere, the protective bubble of particles and magnetic fields generated by the Sun.

1. Diagnostic Imaging: Radioisotopes are used in medical imaging techniques such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). These techniques help in diagnosing conditions by tracking the movement and concentration of radioactive substances in the body.

2. Radiotherapy: Radioactive materials are used to treat cancer and other diseases by targeting and destroying malignant cells with high-energy radiation, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

3. Sterilization: Radiation is used to sterilize medical equipment and supplies, ensuring they are free of harmful microorganisms.

• Radiography: Radioactive materials are used in non-destructive testing (NDT) to inspect the integrity of materials and structures, such as pipelines, welds, and aircraft components, by detecting flaws without causing damage.
• Level Gauging: Radioisotopes are used to measure the level of liquids and solids in containers and tanks, especially in harsh environments where traditional methods might fail.
• Tracing: In industries like oil and gas, radioactive tracers help monitor fluid movement, detect leaks, and study the dynamics of processes.
• Smoke Detectors: Americium-241 is commonly used in smoke detectors to ionize air, which helps detect smoke particles and trigger an alarm in case of fire.
• Mineral Extraction: Some minerals used to extract metals, such as Tantalum, for use in electronics are Naturally Ocurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) and need to be transported in accordance with the transport regulations.

• Food Irradiation: Radiation is used to kill bacteria, parasites, and insects in food, extending shelf life and ensuring safety without significantly altering nutritional value.
• Pest Control: Radioisotopes are used in the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), where male insects are sterilized with radiation and released to control pest populations by preventing reproduction. As well as preventing attacks on crops, this technique can reduce or eliminate pests which carry human diseases.
• Soil and Water Studies: Radioisotopes help study the movement of water and nutrients in soil, improving irrigation and fertilizer usage efficiency.

• Radiometric Dating: Isotopes like Carbon-14 are used in dating archaeological, geological, and paleontological samples, providing insights into the age of ancient artifacts, fossils, and earth materials.
• Tracer Studies: Radioactive tracers are used in biological and chemical research to track the movement of substances within organisms or reactions.