Еssay on Ionizing Radiation Local Rule

Ionizing radiation can be extremely dangerous to human health, to the extent that it can threaten to the human life, when the exposure to ionizing radiation is long and the dose of radiation is high. In such a situation, it is obvious that the work with ionizing radiation should be strictly regulated on both federal and local levels in order to minimize potential risks and threats to human health as well as environment because the violation of existing rules can have a disastrous impact on the environment as well. In this respect, it should be said that the work with ionizing radiation is strictly regulated and subordinated to definite rules which need to be observed always. In fact, it is important to underline that local ionizing radiation rules are grounded on the ionizing radiation regulations of 1999.

According to the ionizing radiation regulations of 1999, local agencies and authorities need to ensure that exposure to ionizing radiation, resulting from any work activities, is kept as low as reasonably practicable. However, it is worth mentioning the fact that the latter requirement can be superseded if the dose resulting from the work with ionizing radiation exceeds certain thresholds that are established for various populations groups in the ionizing radiation regulations of 1999.

At the same time, it should be said that the ionizing radiation regulations of 1999 make legal requirements including prior authorization of the use of particle accelerators and x-ray machines, the appointment of radiation protection advisors, control and restriction of exposure to ionizing radiation, and requirements for local rules. The local rules include the designation of controlled areas defined as places where special procedures are needed to restrict a significant exposure.

On the local level, local authorities and agencies can establish rules which meet requirements of the ionizing radiation regulations of 1999.

In actuality, these rules should have five basic points. First of all, the local authorities should provide by rule or regulation for general or specific licensing or byproduct, source, special nuclear material, or devices or equipment utilizing such materials, or other radioactive materials occurring naturally or produced artificially. In such a way, the work with ionizing radiation should be licensed by the local authorities. Secondly, before the local authorities issue a license to an applicant, they should give notice of such application to the chief executive officer of the incorporated city or town. Furthermore, the local authorities can require the registration of all sources of ionizing radiation that apparently facilitates control over the ionizing radiation and its use. In addition, the local authorities can exempt certain sources of ionizing radiation or kinds of uses or users from the registration or licensing requirements. Finally, the requirements and rules of the local authorities should meet the federal norms and requirements concerning the work with ionizing radiation.

In such a way, it is important to underline the fact that the major goal of the local authorities and rules concerning the work with ionizing radiation is the maintenance of the total control and safety of the use of ionizing radiation. Any deviations from the rules without the consent of the authorities and specialists controlling the work with ionizing radiation are unacceptable and impossible. Obviously, today, it is not only the question observance of rules but it is also the question of public safety.