Global Sealed Radioactive Source Market 2026 by Company, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2032

According to our (Global Info Research) latest study, the global Sealed Radioactive Source market size was valued at US$ 1132 million in 2025 and is forecast to a readjusted size of US$ 1524 million by 2032 with a CAGR of 4.4% during review period.
A Sealed Radioactive Source is defined as radioactive material that is permanently sealed in a capsule or closely bonded in a solid form. The primary design objective of a sealed source is to prevent the leakage or dispersal of radioactive substances under normal conditions of use and during foreseeable accidents, while still allowing the ionizing radiation (such as gamma, X-rays, or neutrons) to pass through the capsule for its intended application.
The encapsulation is typically made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, titanium, or platinum. According to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards, these sources must undergo rigorous testing—including impact, vibration, puncture, and heat resistance—to ensure "Special Form" certification. This containment is crucial because, unlike unsealed sources used in nuclear medicine (radiopharmaceuticals), a sealed source is intended to remain physically intact throughout its entire working life and subsequent disposal.
Sealed radioactive sources are radioactive materials encapsulated in secure metal housings that allow controlled emission of ionizing radiation while preventing leakage of the radioactive substance. These sources are foundational components in a wide range of industrial, medical, scientific, and safety applications. Common isotopes used include cobalt-60, iridium-192, cesium-137, and strontium-90, each selected for specific characteristics such as energy spectrum, half-life, and application suitability. Sealed sources play an indispensable role in industrial inspection, cancer treatment, materials analysis, and other fields, and their market reflects both traditional and emerging uses in the global economy.
In the industrial sector, sealed sources are key to non-destructive testing (NDT) and process measurement. Gamma radiography sources like iridium-192 and cobalt-60 power industrial gamma cameras capable of penetrating thick metal structures to inspect welds, pipelines, and pressure vessels. Radiation-based density, thickness, and level gauges are widely employed in manufacturing and chemical processing, enabling real-time process control and enhancing safety and product quality. As investment in infrastructure projects, energy systems, and manufacturing automation continues in regions such as Asia-Pacific and North America, demand for these industrial applications remains robust.
In healthcare, sealed sources are fundamental to radiation therapy and diagnostic procedures. Cobalt-60 has been historically used in external beam radiation therapy, particularly in regions where access to linear accelerators is limited. Isotopes such as iridium-192, ruthenium-106, and others are used in brachytherapy, delivering targeted radiation doses for cancers of the cervix, prostate, and other organs. The global rise in cancer incidence, aging populations, and the expansion of oncology services in emerging markets are key drivers of growth in the medical sealed source segment. According to industry forecasts, the medical radioactive source market is projected to grow steadily over the next decade, especially in therapeutic and imaging applications.
However, the sealed radioactive source market is heavily shaped by stringent regulatory frameworks. International standards from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and national regulations govern the lifecycle of sealed sources, including manufacturing controls, transportation safety, security measures, usage licensing, routine leak testing, and end-of-life disposal. These regulatory requirements enhance safety and environmental protection, but also raise barriers to market entry and increase compliance costs. Some jurisdictions have introduced real-time monitoring and GPS tracking for high-risk sources, while exempting very low-activity industrial sources from licensing, significantly affecting how suppliers and users manage regulatory burdens.
The market also faces competition from alternative and radiation-free technologies. In industrial measurement, non-radioactive X-ray and laser-based gauges offer precise thickness or density measurements without the regulatory constraints associated with radioactive sources. In sterilization and disinfection applications, low-temperature vapor and advanced plasma systems are emerging as substitutes for gamma irradiation for certain medical tools. While these alternatives reduce reliance on radioactive materials, sealed sources continue to excel in applications requiring deep material penetration and stable long-term radiation output.
Looking forward, innovation in lifecycle management, safety integration, and green isotopic technologies will be important for the future of the sealed radioactive source market. The emphasis on secure handling, end-of-use recycling, and responsive regulatory compliance will shape competitive dynamics. Markets in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America are expected to grow as they invest in infrastructure and healthcare systems, although regulatory harmonization and supply chain resilience will be essential to sustainable market expansion. Overall, while the sealed source industry must navigate regulatory, safety, and technological challenges, its role in critical industrial and medical applications ensures continued demand globally.
This report is a detailed and comprehensive analysis for global Sealed Radioactive Source market. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses are presented by company, by region & country, by Type and by Application. As the market is constantly changing, this report explores the competition, supply and demand trends, as well as key factors that contribute to its changing demands across many markets. Company profiles and product examples of selected competitors, along with market share estimates of some of the selected leaders for the year 2025, are provided.
Key Features:
Global Sealed Radioactive Source market size and forecasts, in consumption value ($ Million), 2021-2032
Global Sealed Radioactive Source market size and forecasts by region and country, in consumption value ($ Million), 2021-2032
Global Sealed Radioactive Source market size and forecasts, by Type and by Application, in consumption value ($ Million), 2021-2032
Global Sealed Radioactive Source market shares of main players, in revenue ($ Million), 2021-2026
The Primary Objectives in This Report Are:
To determine the size of the total market opportunity of global and key countries
To assess the growth potential for Sealed Radioactive Source
To forecast future growth in each product and end-use market
To assess competitive factors affecting the marketplace
This report profiles key players in the global Sealed Radioactive Source market based on the following parameters - company overview, revenue, gross margin, product portfolio, geographical presence, and key developments. Key companies covered as a part of this study include NRG, Rosatom, NTP Radioisotopes, ANSTO, Nordion, IRE, Curium Pharma, Eckert & Ziegler Strahlen, China Isotope & Radiation Corporation (CIRC), Polatom, etc.
This report also provides key insights about market drivers, restraints, opportunities, new product launches or approvals.
Market segmentation
Sealed Radioactive Source market is split by Type and by Application. For the period 2021-2032, the growth among segments provides accurate calculations and forecasts for Consumption Value by Type and by Application. This analysis can help you expand your business by targeting qualified niche markets.
Market segment by Type
Cobalt-60
Iridium-192
Americium-241
Selenium-75
Market segment By IAEA Safety Category
Cat 1
Cat 2
Cat 3
Cat 4
Cat 5
Market segment By Type of Radiation
Alpha Source
Beta Source
Market segment by Application
Medical
Industrial
Others
Market segment by players, this report covers
NRG
Rosatom
NTP Radioisotopes
ANSTO
Nordion
IRE
Curium Pharma
Eckert & Ziegler Strahlen
China Isotope & Radiation Corporation (CIRC)
Polatom
Market segment by regions, regional analysis covers
North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)
Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Rest of Europe)
Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Rest of Asia-Pacific)
South America (Brazil, Rest of South America)
Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East & Africa)
The content of the study subjects, includes a total of 13 chapters:
Chapter 1, to describe Sealed Radioactive Source product scope, market overview, market estimation caveats and base year.
Chapter 2, to profile the top players of Sealed Radioactive Source, with revenue, gross margin, and global market share of Sealed Radioactive Source from 2021 to 2026.
Chapter 3, the Sealed Radioactive Source competitive situation, revenue, and global market share of top players are analyzed emphatically by landscape contrast.
Chapter 4 and 5, to segment the market size by Type and by Application, with consumption value and growth rate by Type, by Application, from 2021 to 2032.
Chapter 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, to break the market size data at the country level, with revenue and market share for key countries in the world, from 2021 to 2026.and Sealed Radioactive Source market forecast, by regions, by Type and by Application, with consumption value, from 2027 to 2032.
Chapter 11, market dynamics, drivers, restraints, trends, Porters Five Forces analysis.
Chapter 12, the key raw materials and key suppliers, and industry chain of Sealed Radioactive Source.
Chapter 13, to describe Sealed Radioactive Source research findings and conclusion.