ASTM/ISO 51940-02

1.1 This guide outlines dosimetric procedures to be followed for the radiation sterilization of live insects for use in pest management programs. The primary use of irradiated, reproductively sterile insects is in the Sterile Insect Technique, where large numbers of sterile insects are released into the field to mate with and thus control pest populations of the same species. A secondary use of irradiated insects is as benign "hosts" for rearing insect parasitoids. If followed, the procedures outlined in this guide will help to ensure that insects processed with ionizing radiation from gamma, electron, or X-ray sources receive absorbed doses within a predetermined range. Information on effective dose ranges for specific applications of insect sterilization, or on methodology for determining effective dose ranges, is not within the scope of this guide.

Note 1—Dosimetry is only one component of a total quality control program to ensure that irradiated insects are adequately sterilized and fully competitive or otherwise suitable for their intended purpose.

1.2 This guide covers dosimetry in the irradiation of insects for these types of irradiators: self-contained dry-storage ¹³⁷Cs or ⁶⁰Co irradiators, larger-scale gamma irradiators, and electron accelerators. Additional, detailed information on dosimetric procedures to be followed in installation qualification, process qualification, and routine product processing can be found in ISO/ASTM Practices 51608 (X-ray, bremsstrahlung facilities), 51649 (electron beam facilities), and 51702 (large-scale gamma facilities).

1.3 The absorbed dose for insect sterilization is typically within the range of 20 Gy to 600 Gy.

1.4 This guide refers, throughout the text, specifically to reproductive sterilization of insects. It is equally applicable to radiation sterilization of invertebrates from other taxa (for example, Acarina, Gastropoda) and to irradiation of live insects or other invertebrates for other purposes (for example, inducing mutations), presuming the absorbed dose is within range specified in 1.3.

1.5 This guide also covers the use of radiation-sensitive indicators for the visual and qualitative indication that the insects have been irradiated.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.