The purpose of this scoping analysis is two-fold. First, it provides information on current practices and the types of economic impacts that result, based on detailed review of the available English language literature and extensive interviews with knowledgeable experts. Second, it provides the foundation for more detailed assessment of these impacts. The scoping analysis identifies the data gaps as well as the potentially significant effects that could be the focus of additional research. While current practices also result in risks to human health and the environment, these risks are being addressed by separate efforts and are not discussed in detail in this report. This introductory chapter provides background information on the context for this analysis. It begins with an overview of the lifecycle of radioactive metal, discussing sources of increased levels of radioactivity and options for detection. Next, it discusses the efforts now underway to develop radiation protection standards for metal imports and exports. It also summarizes the implementation issues related to developing effective standards. It is followed by chapters that discuss the domestic generation ofradioactive metals, the extent to which these metals are likely to be exported, and the economic consequences oftrade in these metals.