Which regulatory agencies oversee radiation safety in the U.S.?

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) play crucial roles in overseeing radiation safety in the U.S.

The NRC is primarily responsible for regulating the use of nuclear materials and ensuring that nuclear facilities are safe, which includes handling radioactive materials and ensuring that practices involving radiation are conducted in a manner that protects public health and safety. The NRC sets standards and conducts inspections to monitor compliance, addressing issues related to nuclear power plants and other facilities that use radioactive substances.

On the other hand, the EPA focuses on protecting human health and the environment by enforcing regulations regarding environmental radiation. This includes establishing limits on radiation exposure from various sources and ensuring that actions related to radioactive waste management, remediation, and cleanup are safe for both the environment and public health.

Together, these two agencies form a comprehensive framework for radiation safety, covering both the industrial and environmental aspects of radiation management. This synergy is essential for maintaining safety standards and ensuring that both workers and the general public are adequately protected from the potential harmful effects of radiation.