Status of Development and Production of Certified Reference Materials for Radioactivity in Korea

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the utilization, demand, development, and productionsystems for certified reference materials (CRMs) related to radioactivity in Korea, focusing on various industrialsectors. Radioactivity CRMs are essential for ensuring the reliability of measurements in applications such as radiationdetection, environmental monitoring, radiopharmaceutical quantification, nuclear facility decommissioning, andradioactive waste management. These materials are crucial for maintaining radiation safety standards and qualitycontrol. Currently, the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) is the only institution responsiblefor developing and distributing radioactivity CRMs in Korea. Since the mid-1990s, KRISS has gradually expandedits CRM production to meet the needs of various industries. Initially, the focus was on radionuclides such as 60Coand 137Cs, but over time, the range has broadened to include medical radioisotopes, radionuclides for environmentalanalysis, and mixed gamma-emitting sources. KRISS supplies radioactivity CRMs in several forms, includingliquid sources, point sources, mixed gamma-emitting sources, and solid matrix materials. Each CRM has detailedspecifications outlining the radiation type, primary radionuclides, physical form, and activity range. Notably, mixedgamma-emitting CRMs are widely used for energy and efficiency calibration of high-purity germanium detectors inmedical institutions, environmental monitoring facilities, and nuclear industries. These CRMs contain radionuclidessuch as 241Am, 109Cd, 57Co, 139Ce, 51Cr, 113Sn, 85Sr, 137Cs, 60Co, and 88Y, covering a broad spectrum of gamma energies. However, the distribution of radioactivity CRMs currently occurs only twice a year, which poses challenges inmeeting the rising demands across various sectors. There is an urgent need for more flexible supply schedules and adiversification of CRM types. The findings of this study are intended to serve as foundational data for future policydevelopment and strategic planning regarding CRM utilization in industry and research sectors.