It is estimated that several hundred gamma irradiators are in operation worldwide. They are mainly used for sterilization of medical products, food irradiation and modification of materials. Their role is very important both for national economies and for R&D activities. This directory of commercial radiation processing facilities using gamma rays from radioisotopes is the first such directory to be published by the IAEA; it is a compilation of technical, utilization and administrative data based on the information supplied to the IAEA as of 2002. This directory includes radiation facilities that process products for various applications for commercial purposes (including industrial and pilot scale facilities). Thus, research laboratories and facilities are not included in the directory. The data were collected through questionnaires distributed to the organizations involved in operating such facilities in Member States. This directory will be a valuable tool for managers, engineers and scientists working in the field and it will facilitate networking amongst regional and interregional facilities.
