“Radiation” is a fearful term to many, conjuring up images of horrible deformities and disease. Yet, we depend on radiation every day, from microwaving our breakfast, protecting us in our smoke detectors, and in a host of medical procedures. Yet, the great majority of human exposure to radiation comes from natural sources.

We discuss radiation primarily in our course Industrial Hygiene (ENVH 302) and gain experience with radiation measurements in our laboratory courses Environmental Assessment Methods I and II (ENVH 309 & 310). The effects of radiation are also explored in Environmental Toxicology (ENVH 407), and sources of radiation are examined in both Air Quality Management (ENVH 304) and Principles of Water Quality (ENVH 402).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides excellent material at its radiation protection web site. Included is information on both high-level and low-level radioactive waste, cleanup, risk assessment, and general background information.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a web site providing definitions and descriptions of terms relating to radiation. It is a very useful source of information, particularly to those unfamiliar with detailed information about radiation.

The Health Physics Society (HPS) is a scientific and professional organization specializing in occupational and environmental radiation safety. The Society promotes public information preparation and dissemination, education and training opportunities, scientific information exchange through conferences and meetings and posting current news items, and conducts a program to accredit radiation instrumentation calibration Laboratories.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an independent intergovernmental, science and technology-based organization working with the United Nations. The Agency assists in planning for and using nuclear science and technology for various peaceful purposes, including the generation of electricity, and facilitates the transfer of such technology and knowledge in a sustainable manner. The Agency also develops nuclear safety standards and promotes the achievement and maintenance of high levels of safety in applications of nuclear energy, and the protection of human health and the environment against ionizing radiation.