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3. MANUFACTURERS
AND DISTRIBUTORS
OF RADIOACTIVE SOURCES
ASNoversight of the suppliers of radionuclide sources or
devices containing themis crucial to ensuring the radiation
protection of the future users. It is based on the one hand
on the technical examinationof the appliances and sources
with respect to operating safety and radiation protection
conditions during future utilisation and maintenance.
It also allows the tracking of source movements and the
recovery and disposal of disused or end-of-life sources.
Source suppliers also play a teaching role with respect
to users.
At present, only the suppliers of sealed radioactive sources
or devices containing them, and of unsealed radioactive
sources, are regulated in France (see point 4.4). There are
about 150 suppliers listed, and among them, 32 low and
medium-energy cyclotrons are currently licensedunder the
PublicHealthCode inFrance. As at 31st December 2015,
30 cyclotrons are in operation. Among these, 16 are used
exclusively for thedailyproductionof radiopharmaceuticals,
6 are used for researchpurposes and8 are used exclusively
for joint production and research purposes.
SIMPLIFIED DIAGRAM
of the operation of a cyclotron
Semi-cylindrical D-shaped hollow electrodes
Magnetic field
generated by two
electromagnets
Progressively
accelerated
particles
Electric field
AC voltage generator
Beam extraction
channel
Isotopes transferred
and then used in shielded
cells
Target in which the
isotopes are generated
Source of electrically
charged particles
Electromagnet
Semi-cylindrical
hollow electrode
LOCATION
of cyclotrons in France
Joint use
Research
Production for medical
applications
On standby
LARÉUNION
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CHAPTER 10:
INDUSTRIAL, RESEARCH AND VETERINARY USES AND SOURCE SECURITY
ASN report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2015