Primary Radiation-Regulating Organizations

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - www.epa.gov

The EPA is a regulation-setting organization that develops regulations for protection of human health and the environment. Probably most well known for air and water quality standards, EPA also sets standards for radiation and radioactivity in the environment.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) - www.nrc.gov

The USNRC is a regulating agency within the United States. It regulates the use of radioactive materials used in health care, industry, and education, as well as in commercial nuclear power plants and radioactive waste transport, storage, and disposal. The objective of the USNRC is to assure that radioactive materials are used safely to protect human health and the environment.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - www.osha.gov

The primary objective of OSHA is protection of the worker. OSHA is a regulating agency and develops and enacts laws for safe work environments. This includes work environments where workers may be exposed to radiation.

Organization of Agreement States (OAS) - www.agreementstates.org

Agreement States are states that have entered into an agreement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) to regulate radioactive materials, excluding those at nuclear power plants. Agreement States perform the same functions as the USNRC, such as licensing, inspecting, and developing and implementing regulations. The OAS is a society consisting of the Agreement State radiation control program directors.