Last year, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recorded nearly 150 incidents related to the illegal or unauthorized handling of nuclear and radioactive material, a figure that, although in line with reports from previous years, raises serious concerns about nuclear security globally. Among these incidents, three cases with clear malicious intent were identified, and in 21 other cases, authorities were unable to determine the nature of the event, reinforcing uncertainty about the safety of managing these materials.
One of the most alarming trends observed in 2024 has been the increase in the detection of contaminated industrial materials. Elements like pipes and metal parts have inadvertently entered supply chains, highlighting the difficulties that several countries face in preventing the unauthorized disposal of radioactive sources. This situation becomes a potential risk without proper regulation and surveillance.
The transportation of radioactive materials is considered one of the most vulnerable points in the nuclear security chain. Over the last decade, it has been reported that 65% of nuclear material thefts occur during transportation, with these resources being essential in sectors such as medicine and scientific research. This high rate of incidents emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen security measures during transportation and improve international collaboration to safely manage these materials throughout the supply chain.
The IAEA, in its critical role of overseeing nuclear materials, has urged member states to strengthen their security protocols. In 2024, 32 of the 145 countries participating in the organization submitted reports to the IAEA database, demonstrating a collective effort to improve nuclear security. Elena Buglova, director of the IAEA’s Nuclear Safety Division, emphasized that incident reports over the past 30 years have been crucial in the fight against illicit trafficking and other unauthorized uses of nuclear materials, highlighting the need to maintain constant vigilance against the evolution of these threats.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
