There are laws at the federal and state levels, which vary by state,
regulating radiation. Ionizing radiation generally refers to gamma rays
and x rays; alpha and beta particles, high-speed electrons, neutrons, protons
and other nuclear particles; but not sound or radio waves or visible, infrared
or ultraviolet light. Byproducts include any radioactive material, except
special nuclear material, yielded in, or made radioactive by, exposure
to the radiation incident to the process of producing or utilizing special
nuclear material.
Because of health and safety concerns, laws regulate the licensing and
practices of those involved in the manufacture, storage, or transportation
of radioactive materials. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission
has primary authority over defining the msterials subject to regulation.
Some of the duties of agencies responsible for radiation exposure and radioactive
materials include to:
- Develop and conduct programs for evaluation of hazards associated
with use of sources of ionizing radiation;
- Develop programs with due regard for compatibility with federal
programs for regulation of by-product, source and special nuclear materials;
- Formulate, adopt, promulgate and repeal codes, rules and regulations
relating to control of sources of ionizing radiation with due regard for
compatibility with the regulatory programs of the federal government;
- Advise, consult and cooperate with other agencies of the state,
the federal government, other states and interstate agencies, political
subdivisions and with groups concerned with control of sources of ionizing
radiation;
- Have the authority to accept and administer loans, grants or other
funds or gifts, conditional or otherwise, in furtherance of its functions,
from the federal government and from other sources, public or private;
- Encourage, participate in or conduct studies, investigations, training,
research and demonstrations relating to control of sources of ionizing
radiation; and
- Collect and disseminate information relating to control of sources
of ionizing radiation.
Related Terms
Terms with 'Radiation'
