In the world of positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals, ensuring safety and sustainability is paramount. A recent systematic review, led by Frank Montero-Díaz from the Area of Basic and Environmental Science at the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo, sheds light on the methodologies and applications of integrated risk indicators in this field. The review, published in ‘Applied Sciences’ (translated from Spanish), offers valuable insights that could resonate with maritime professionals, particularly those involved in the transport and handling of radioactive materials.
The review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesizes findings from 70 studies published between 2020 and 2025. It focuses on occupational, technological, and environmental risks, drawing from various disciplines such as environmental science, occupational health and safety, and maritime safety.
Montero-Díaz and his team identified several key risk assessment methods, including probabilistic modeling, machine learning, multi-criteria decision-making, and failure mode and effects analysis. Each method has its strengths and limitations, but they all contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the risks involved in PET radiopharmaceutical production.
For maritime professionals, the review highlights the importance of adapting frameworks from other industries to address PET-specific risks. For instance, the transport of radioactive materials poses unique challenges, such as radiation exposure to workers and equipment failure. The review suggests that integrating these factors into unified risk indicators could enhance safety and sustainability in this sector.
Moreover, the review points out gaps in the literature, such as limited stakeholder engagement, lack of standardized frameworks, insufficient real-time monitoring, and under-represented environmental risks. These gaps present opportunities for future research and development, particularly in the maritime sector.
As Montero-Díaz puts it, “Future research directions propose developing PET-specific tools, integrating AI and IoT for real-time data, establishing standardized frameworks, and expanding environmental assessments to enhance risk management in PET radiopharmaceutical production.” This could translate into improved safety protocols, more efficient operations, and a stronger commitment to environmental sustainability for maritime professionals involved in the transport of radioactive materials.
In conclusion, the review underscores the interdisciplinary nature of risk assessment and the critical need for comprehensive, tailored approaches to ensure safety and sustainability in PET radiopharmaceutical production. For maritime professionals, this means staying informed about the latest developments in risk assessment and being proactive in adapting these advancements to their operations. As the field continues to evolve, so too must the strategies and tools used to manage risk effectively.