NRC Generic Letter 86-11, Distribution of Products Irradiated in Research Reactors

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WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555

June 25, 1986

TO ALL NON-POWER REACTOR LICENSEES

Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: DISTRIBUTION OF PRODUCTS IRRADIATED IN RESEARCH REACTORS (GENERIC LETTER 86-11)

We have recently received several inquiries regarding products which are irradiated in research reactors and subsequently distributed to unlicensed persons. The inquiries were related to irradiations of gems and silicon chips, but other products may also be involved.

We are concerned that research reactor licensees may be irradiating and redistributing products containing induced radioactivity to unlicensed receivers who utilize or redistribute these irradiated products. Information provided to NRC in specific cases indicates that gems, silicon chips, and many other materials usually acquire relatively long-lived induced radioactivity when irradiated in a reactor. Although irradiation of products in a reactor is not of itself prohibited, 10 CFR Section 30.14 prohibits introduction of byproduct material into a product for distribution to an unlicensed person, unless the distributor has a specific license issued pursuant to 10 CFR Section 32.11 which permits such distribution.

The purpose of this Generic Letter is to correct any misunderstanding concerning the distribution of irradiated products to unlicensed persons. In accordance with 10 CFR 30.14, the distribution of irradiated materials, even with low levels of induced radioactivity, to unlicensed persons is prohibited unless the distributor of such materials is licensed by the NRC to do so. Furthermore, to measure these low levels of induced radioactivity very sensitive low background instruments are required, such as shielded sodium iodide or germanium-lithium detection systems.

In addition, we call your attention to subsection 3 of the enclosed NRC Policy Statement in the Federal Register notice of March 16, 1965 (30 FR 3462) regarding products-which are toys, novelties or adornments. The staff considers gems to be adornments and has not granted licenses for distribution of irradiated gems or similar materials.

You are responsible for assuring that the distributors of any products you have irradiated in your reactor, and which have acquired induced radioactivity, are licensed to distribute these products in accordance with 10 CFR 30.14(c) and 30.31. If you directly distribute the irradiated products to unlicensed persons, you must obtain a new license to reflect this activity.

8607020017Applications should be addressed as follows:

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Division of Fuel Cycle and Material Safety Washington, D. C. 20555

Please note that the NRC has exclusive jurisdiction over reactors and distribution of radioactive consumer products. Agreement States do not issue this type of license.

This letter is for information only and does not require any response. Should you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact Harold Bernard at (301) 492-8529.

Sincerely,

Frank J. Miraglia, Director Division of PWR Licensing-B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Enclosure:

As stated