Radiation Safety Practice Exam

Which organization is responsible for setting standards and enforcing regulations regarding radiation in the United States?

1. Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

3. National Regulatory Commission (NRC)

4. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The correct answer is: National Regulatory Commission (NRC)

The organization responsible for setting standards and enforcing regulations regarding radiation in the United States is the National Regulatory Commission (NRC). The NRC's primary role is to oversee the nation's nuclear energy industry, ensuring the safe use of radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes while protecting public health and safety. This involves regulating commercial nuclear power plants and the use of radioactive materials in various sectors, including medical and industrial applications. The NRC's extensive regulatory framework includes the establishment of safety standards, licensing of operators, and conducting inspections to ensure compliance with these standards. Additionally, the NRC plays a crucial role in emergency preparedness related to radiological accidents and provides guidelines to promote radiation safety practices among both the public and professionals in the field. The other organizations mentioned, while involved in various aspects of environmental protection, energy, or law enforcement, do not have the same direct mandate regarding radiation regulation as the NRC. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for instance, focuses more broadly on environmental health and protection, including some aspects of radiation, but it doesn't have the same specific regulatory authority as the NRC.