What is the role of the NRC in radiation protection?

The role of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in radiation protection is primarily to regulate the use of nuclear materials. This involves establishing and enforcing regulations to ensure the safe handling, disposal, and use of radioactive materials in various contexts, including medical, industrial, and research applications. The NRC oversees licensing, compliance, and enforcement activities to protect public health and safety as well as the environment from potential hazards associated with nuclear materials.

While training, waste management, and dose setting for medical applications are important aspects of radiation protection, they fall under other agencies or organizations. For example, training may be provided by accredited institutions or employers, while waste disposal is typically managed through both regulatory frameworks and industry best practices. Additionally, dose settings for medical applications are often established by clinical guidelines or organizations such as the American College of Radiology, rather than directly by the NRC. Thus, the NRC's primary function focuses on regulation and oversight of nuclear material usage to protect individuals and the environment from radiation hazards.