Canadian expertise in nuclear science and technology is in high demand when it comes to producing radioisotopes for medical purposes. As the recent events in Chalk River have shown, the world depends upon Canada for these capabilities.
Although TRIUMF is not directly affected or involved in the Chalk River nuclear reactor site or its managing company Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL), the director’s office has received inquiries from the media and the public about the situation. In response to these questions, Director Nigel S. Lockyer has prepared the following statement.
• TRIUMF does not operate any nuclear reactors on its site. However, TRIUMF’s particle accelerators are also regulated under a license by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The license was last renewed in March 2007 and extends until 2012.
• MDS Nordion markets and distributes medical isotopes worldwide. Some of its isotopes are produced at the AECL Chalk River nuclear reactor. Others are produced at the MDS Nordion accelerator facility in Vancouver on the TRIUMF site using TRIUMF technology.
• As a laboratory focused on basic research, TRIUMF itself does not produce a substantial volume of medical isotopes. However, the lab does produce several isotopes in arrangement with UBC Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital, and the BC Cancer Agency.
• Generally speaking, different isotopes are produced at nuclear reactors and accelerator facilities, and they are not interchangeable. The closure of the Chalk River reactor-based facilities cannot be compensated for by increasing the isotope-production activities at TRIUMF or at the Vancouver branch of MDS Nordion.
If you have additional questions about the situation, please feel free to contact Tim Meyer, Head of Strategic Planning and Communications. Also see Margaret Munro’s article in the Vancouver Sun (13 Dec 2007) entitled “Expect political fallout for reactor reopening: scientist,” in which Director Lockyer sheds additional light on the issues.