A Radiological Legacy

Vol. 40-4

12/1998

The December 1998 IAEA Bulletin edition focuses on the efforts made by the IAEA and Member States to address the radiological legacy of the Cold War. Radioactive substances in the atmosphere or in geological sites, waste and by-products of the production of weapons material, nuclear facilities, test sites, and military vessels, constitute this Cold War legacy. Over the past decade, the IAEA has been asked to play a greater role in helping countries address it. A number of scientific assessments of radiological situations created by the Cold War have been carried out by experts convened by the IAEA — at nuclear test sites, nuclear production facilities, and waste dumping sites. This edition highlights these cooperative activities in the context of international developments and concerns.