The National Academies of Sciences recommended in a report that the National Nuclear Security Administration enhance the security of radiological materials by prioritizing research funding and engaging in cooperation with low- and middle-income countries already using radiological sources.
“By investing in this… it’s a deterrent in and of itself,” Jeffrey Chamberlin, acting principal assistant deputy administrator for defense nuclear nonproliferation at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), said in a webinar about the report. He added that when adversaries see this research, they will know not to “cause problems” because of the security involved.
Also during the webinar, Chamberlin said NNSA has a new program to work with designers of the next generation of research reactors to build increased proliferation resistance into the reactors. He says he hopes this program can support peaceful uses for new reactors with “good science and medical applications.”
“We’re trying to get out ahead of what we think the future will look like,” Chamberlin said about the reactors program.
The report also recommended continuing to expand efforts to research and deploy alternative technologies to high-risk cesium-137 and cobalt-60 sources, such as x-ray irradiators, oil-well logging, and radiography. In 2019, thirteen people at a research facility at the University of Washington were exposed to cesium-137 when a contractor tried removing a blood irradiator. A bad actor could use cesium in a radioactive dispersal device, making it a higher risk.
The National Academies of Sciences also recommended the NNSA take the lead on cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency to dispose of sources at the end of their life.
Chamberlin also said that the agency aims to “walk and chew gum” at the same time by employing their earlier methods that have worked well while also evolving their methodology.
“We have to be creative in thinking about not only doing the same things we’ve been doing, which we are still doing,” Chamberlin said, “but thinking about new and creative solutions to address threats as they evolve in the nuclear security area in the next coming year.”
