How the NRC Protects You

Radiation and its risks command considerable public attention. However, over many decades, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has developed a system of radiation protection that reflects the world's improved understanding of the effects of radiation. In particular, the NRC ensures that users of radioactive materials keep radiation exposures within the agency's specified dose limits and as low as reasonably achievable. In addition, users must obtain a license from the NRC and be inspected to ensure that they are following the agency's regulations and safely using radioactive materials. The following links provide information regarding specific aspects of radiation protection in industrial and medical applications and at nuclear power plants: