Which federal agency is responsible for enforcing radiation safety standards in the United States?

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is responsible for enforcing radiation safety standards in the United States. This agency plays a crucial role in regulating the nation's nuclear energy industry, which includes the safe use of radioactive materials and ensuring that adequate safety measures are in place to protect public health and the environment.

The NRC establishes guidelines and regulations that govern the handling, use, and disposal of materials that emit radiation. This includes overseeing commercial nuclear power plants, the use of nuclear materials in medicine and industry, and ensuring that radiation exposure levels for workers and the public remain within safe limits. Through licensing and regulatory frameworks, the NRC aims to prevent radioactive material from posing a risk to humans and the environment.

While other agencies such as the FDA and EPA may have roles related to radiation safety, their focus is not solely on radiation standards. The FDA regulates radiological products and devices (like X-ray machines) to ensure they are safe and effective, while the EPA monitors environmental radiation levels and establishes related health standards. OSHA focuses more broadly on workplace safety, including occupational exposure to hazardous materials, but does not specifically regulate radiation safety standards in the same comprehensive manner as the NRC. Thus, the NRC is correctly identified as the federal agency charged with enforcing radiation safety standards in the