Radiation Information for the General Public
All of us--young and old, tall and short, scientist and lay person--need to understand basic information about radiation, radioactive materials, and radiation protection. We need to be aware of radioactive materials we may encounter during our daily activities.(general information)
We also need to understand how governments protect us from harmful exposure to radiation and how we too have a role in protecting people and the environment. (government protections and what you can do)
On this page:
General Information
Understanding Radiation
Becoming Aware of Radiation Sources
- consumer products
- irradiated mail
- food and food containers
- medical procedures
- naturally occurring radiation
- radiologically contaminated sites
- government and industry
- What's your annual dose?
- RadTown USA
Government Protections
EPA's Radiation Protection Programs
Responding to Emergencies
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Protecting Air and Water
- Maximum Contaminant Levels for Radionuclides in Drinking Water
- RadNet
- Cleaning up Radiation Sites
Ensuring Equal Protection
Environmental Justice (Region 5 )
Keeping Consumer Products Safe
- FCC Radio Frequency Safety
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The following pages are maintained by the FDA:- CDRH Consumer Information
Overview of FDA's radiation protection activities - FDA
Center for Devices and Radiological Health CDRH
Protects public health by providing reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of medical devices and by eliminating unnecessary exposure to radiation from electronic devices. - Electronic
Product Radiation Control
Overview of CDRH activities - Center for Health and Radiological Devices International Program
- Radiation Emitting Device Labeling Requirements
- Research on Radiation Sterilization
- CDRH Consumer Information
What You Can Do
- Learn about radiation and radioactivity.
- Test your home for radon. Radon Testing and Data
- Properly dispose of smoke detectors and other products that contain radiation sources. Report radiation emergencies.
- Participate in the regulatory process.
- Become an informed consumer.
- Consumer Information about Center for Devices and Radiological Health Topics