Radiation processing has been widly accepted for use in many areas of the global 
economy. Sterilization, polymer cross-linking (tapes, tubes, cables), tire component curing, 
the conservation of art objects, the irradiation of selected food items are well established 
technologies. Both types of irradiators, gamma sources and electron accelerators, are used in 
these processes. 
The IAEA through its technical co-operation programmes, co-ordinated research 
projects, consultants and technical meetings, conferences promotes the peaceful use of 
radiation technologies. Because of the IAEA’s support, some new technologies (such as 
hydrogel wound dressings, sulphur-free radiation vulcanized latex) were developed and 
transferred to Member States over the previous ten years. Other promising applications the 
IAEA has supported are flue gas and wastewater treatment. At an industrial fossil fuel power