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Radiation Protection and the NRC (NUREG/BR-0322, Revision 1)

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Publication Information

Date Published: June 2010

Office of Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20555-0001
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Introduction

Radiation is all around us. It is naturally present in our environment and has been since before the birth of this planet. Radiation occurs in nature, but it can also be produced artificially, as in medical x-rays and microwaves for cooking. Radiation can be either beneficial or harmful, depending on its use and control. Therefore, regulation of certain radioactive sources is necessary so that people are protected from unnecessary or excessive exposures.

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