Nuclear Medicine Europe and the Transport Experts Working Group fully support the continued development and adoption of alternative materials to lead, wherever and whenever feasible. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that lead is currently indispensable for the safe transport of radioactive materials; without lead, transport in the nuclear medicine sector would not be possible.
We urge stakeholders to engage with their respective national authorities to raise awareness of this critical issue, especially as the European Commission has yet to vote on the REACH recommendation, with a decision expected in 2025. Although a ban on lead appears unlikely, it remains essential to keep authorities informed about the ongoing need for lead in the transport of radioactive materials to safeguard the operations of the nuclear medicine industry.
We refer to the previously published position paper by the Working Group on the potential ban of lead in the transport of radiopharmaceuticals. This paper outlines the significant challenges posed by such a ban and provides recommendations aimed at ensuring patient care is not compromised.