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  • What units does EPA use to report laboratory analysis results (drinking water, air filter and precipitation)?

    EPA reports RadNet laboratory results in conventional units, as shown below with their international equivalents: Medium Conventional unit International SI unit Air Filter Curie (Ci) per cubic meter (m3) Becquerel (Bq) per cubic meter (m3) Precipitation and drinking water Curie (Ci) per liter (L)

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  • When do states need to implement the 2017 PAG Manual?

    The PAG Manual provides non-mandatory guidance for state, local and tribal governments to use at their own discretion when planning for and responding to a radiological emergency. If required by FEMA’s Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to implement PAG Manual guidance, offsite

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  • What authority does EPA have to set standards that protect public health and the environment at Yucca Mountain?

    The Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to set site-specific standards for Yucca Mountain comes from the Energy Policy Act of 1992. However, two other laws have important roles leading up to that authority: the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, and the WIPP Land Withdrawal Act. The Nuclear

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  • Who regulates waste from nuclear power plants?

    The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has regulatory authority over storage and disposal of all commercially-generated nuclear wastes in the United States, as well as disposal of spent fuel and high-level wastes generated by the Department of Energy. The NRC implements its general radiation

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  • What kinds of experts and equipment does the EPA’s radiation protection program have to support a radiological emergency response effort?

    The EPA is a member of several interdisciplinary radiological emergency response teams. Any one of these teams can be called upon to support a radiological emergency. Some of these teams are listed below. Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC): During a major radiological

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  • Will it be safe for me to eat food or drink water from my area after a radiological emergency?

    Food in sealed containers, bottled water, sealed juice, unopened soda containers and any unspoiled food in your refrigerator or freezer will be safe to eat. Use a damp towel or cloth to wipe off cans, bottles, packaged foods, counters, plates, pots and utensils before using them. After use, seal

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  • Where can I find more information about CT scans?

    For more information on the benefits and risks of CT scans, visit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page on Radiation in Medicine: CT Scans Food and Drug Administration (FDA) page on the Radiation Risks from CT Return to Frequent Questions about Radiation Protection.

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  • Where can I find more information about fluoroscopy?

    For more information on the benefits and risks of fluoroscopy, visit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page on Radiation in Medicine – Fluoroscopy. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) page on Fluoroscopy. Return to Frequent Questions about Radiation Protection.

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  • Is it safe for me to have a fluoroscopic procedure?

    Fluoroscopic procedures expose patients to a greater amount of radiation than other medical imaging procedures, such as x-rays. It’s important to discuss the necessity of the procedure with your medical professional. Medical imaging can provide life-saving information, so the benefits of the

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  • What does the EPA do if there is a nuclear power plant accident?

    The EPA prepares for, and responds to, emergencies involving radioactive materials. Depending on the location and nature of the incident, the EPA may assume primary authority for response, or it may act in a supporting role. The exact actions the EPA takes during an emergency depends on a number of

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  • What advice does the EPA have about radon for consumers who have granite countertops?

    EPA believes the principal source of radiation in homes is not granite countertops, but naturally-occurring radon that seeps into buildings from the ground. While natural rocks such as granite may emit radiation and radon gas, the levels attributable to such sources are not typically high. If you

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  • Are granite countertops radioactive? Are the levels dangerous?

    While granite and other decorative stone can contain some trace natural radioactivity, granite countertops are not considered to be a key contributor to radiation in the average home. Radioactive minerals in the granite can decay into radon – a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas – which may be

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  • What is radon gas? Is it dangerous?

    Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Radon gas is inert, colorless and odorless. Radon is naturally in the atmosphere in trace amounts. Outdoors, radon disperses rapidly and, generally, is not a health issue. Most radon exposure occurs inside homes, schools and

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  • Are imported products screened for radiation hazards?

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the federal agency tasked with screening imported products for harmful substances. You can find information about the CBP screening of cargo for radiation at the Agency's Cargo Examinations page. You can reach CBP staff by phone at 877-227-5511. Return to

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  • Where can I obtain a copy of the EPA's Protective Action Guides Manual?

    The EPA no longer distributes hard copies of the PAGs, but electronic versions are hosted on the EPA’s website. To download a copy of the 2017 PAG Manual, visit the PAG Manuals and Resources webpage. Return to Frequent Questions about Radiation Protection.

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