Frequent Questions

Search Frequent Questions

Filter By:

Active filters:

Remove all filters

Displaying 1 - 15 of 121 results

  • How can I use MARSSIM?

    One of the many benefits to using the MARSSIM system is its adaptability. It is used for final status surveys at many sites throughout the United States, but it can also be used to demonstrate compliance with dose-based or risk-based requirements for scoping, characterization, and remedial action

    • Last published:

  • 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.

    • Last published:

  • 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.

    • Last published:

  • Where can I find EPA publications related to radiation protection?

    Many radiation protection publications and technical resources can be found in the Radiation Protection Document Library. A more extensive list of EPA publications can be found in the EPA’s National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP). Return to Frequent Questions about Radiation

    • Last published:

  • 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

    • Last published:

  • Am I required to use MARSSIM?

    You are not required to use MARSSIM. However, it is a technical best practices document. Additionally, it has multi-agency consensus; the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S.NRC), and the EPA all endorse the document. Many state

    • Last published:

  • 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

    • Last published:

  • How can I contact MARSSIM workgroup members?

    Four agencies currently meet as part of the MARSSIM Workgroup: The Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S.NRC), and the EPA. These agencies have the primary responsibility for managing radioactive materials in the United States. To contact

    • Last published:

  • What is the recertification process for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant? Where can I find more information about the recertification process?

    Before the WIPP accepted its first shipment of transuranic waste, the EPA issued a final certification decision finding that the facility would comply with the radioactive waste disposal regulations set by the Agency. The EPA requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to meet certain conditions in

    • Last published:

  • What other organizations are involved with radiation protection in the U.S.?

    Many federal, state, local, industry, and non-governmental organizations play a role in radiation protection. Some (but not all) of these include: Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Department of Energy (DOE) Department of Defense (DOD) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Department of

    • Last published:

  • 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.

    • Last published:

  • What is a drinking water PAG?

    The drinking water Protective Action Guide (PAG) recommends a health-based value that can be used in the event of a large-scale radiological emergency to determine when alternative drinking water should be provided and the use of contaminated water supplies be restricted. This means that, in the

    • Last published:

  • 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

    • Last published:

  • 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

    • Last published:

  • What is high-level radioactive waste?

    High-level radioactive waste is the waste that comes from producing nuclear materials for defense purposes. Ultimately, this waste is stored as sludge, liquid, or pellets, and must be solidified before manufacturers or labs can dispose of it. Currently, the United States does not reprocess spent

    • Last published:
Subscribe to the RSS feed for this search