What if hospitals could no longer receive radiopharmaceuticals due to new legislation banning a key material in their transport containers?
During the recent congress, our interactions with industry partners revealed a relative absence of awareness about the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) 11th recommendation to include lead metal in the REACH Authorization List. This recommendation proposes banning the use of lead in various applications, including the transport of #radiopharmaceuticals. If enacted, this regulation could have dramatic repercussions for the #nuclearmedicine community and, consequently, for patients.
Initially discussed at a networking event in May 2023, the Nuclear Medicine Europe Transport Experts Working Group subsequently published a "Position Paper on the Ban on Lead for the Transport of Radiopharmaceuticals." This document highlights the potential challenges and consequences of the regulation, while also outlining considerations for a transition that balances environmental objectives with the practical needs of healthcare providers and patients.
Today, we issued an official statement in response to the European Commission, which has decided not to pursue a ban on lead. This outcome reflects a significant collective effort from Working Group members and our advocacy for nuclear medicine among legislators, who are now better informed about the implications of legislation that could restrict patient access to essential care.
Naturally, Nuclear Medicine Europe and the Transport Experts Working Group fully support the continued development and adoption of alternative materials to lead wherever feasible.
For more details, please read our full statement in the news section :
https://lnkd.in/dxsmMqiv
To know more about the Transport Experts Working Group :
https://lnkd.in/dMPDVSw9
Imaging Operations l Research & Development l Neuroscience I Oncology| GCP Quality Support l Nuclear Medicine
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