Radiation Protection Division

The Radiation Protection Division is responsible for protection of District of Columbia residents from potentially harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Radiation is part of everyday life in the District of Columbia. X-ray machines or radioactive materials are used to produce diagnostic pictures of patients for physicians, dentists and other medical practitioners. X-ray machines and radioactive materials are also used at public and private laboratories for a variety of industrial, engineering, and commercial applications. Radioactive materials are even used in some household products, such as smoke detectors. While the residents of the District of Columbia receive many benefits from its use, radiation can also harm humans if uncontrolled or used improperly. The Radiation Protection Division staff work to ensure that radiation and radioactive materials are properly used and controlled in the District of Columbia, so that residents receive the benefit of radiation without unnecessary risk.

Program Description

The Radiation Protection Division enforces the Radiation Protection Standards (DCMR Title 20, Chapters 20-22) designed to protect the public, radiation workers, and the environment. The division provides public health functions associated with the administration of a radiation control program. The division licenses radioactive materials, registers X-ray producing equipment, inspects facilities using sources of radiation, responds to radiation emergencies, investigates radiation incidents, and conducts surveillance of radiation contamination in the environment.

Select the following links for more information on the Radiation Protection Division.

• Bureau of Food, Drug, and Radiation Protection
• Radiation Producing Devices Inspection Summary*