Understanding Radiation

Natural radiation is all around us. Manmade radiation benefits our daily lives in many ways, but radiation can also pose risks. Our webpage explores this complex and often misunderstood subject. Resources for journalists and teachers are also provided.

NSC has also produced an activity book for children about radiation.

EPA's RadTown USA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency invites you to "Begin Your Radiation Education in RadTown USA." RadTown USA (www.epa.gov/radtown) is an animated, interactive website that provides basic information on radiation in our world. It is a virtual community showing a wide variety of radiation sources as you may encounter them in everyday life. Explore RadTown’s houses, school, stadium, construction site, flying plane, moving train and much more. For more information, contact Rafaela Ferguson at (202) 343-9362 or at ferguson.rafaela@epa.gov. Send an e-mail with suggestions or comments.

Understanding Radiation in Our World (Guidebook - View PDF)
	Introduction to Radiation The Science of Radiation Sources of Ionizing Radiation Sources of Nonionizing Radiation How is Radiation Used? The Risks: Health Effects Determining Your Exposure Radioactive Waste How Is the Public Protected From Radiation? Actions You Can Take to Control Radiation Exposure References and Resources
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Resources
	Foreign Research Reactor Spent Fuel Low-Level Radioactive Waste (.pdf; 749Kb) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Yucca Mountain
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Resources for Journalists
	A Reporter's Guide to Yucca Mountain (.pdf; 322 Kb) Understanding Radiation: Journalist's Supplement (.pdf; 67Kb)
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Radiation Resource Kit for Teachers
	Understanding Radiation Kit Understanding Radiation: Teacher's Supplement (.pdf; 157Kb) The Teachers Companion (.pdf; 157Kb) A DVD with two video clips ("A Look at Radiation" - an overview of radiation as part of our everday lives and "Managing Radiation" - a look at how federal, state and local agencies manage radiation.) Classroom materials for use in conjunction with risk analysis lesson plan. A poster (11" by 14") summarizing nuclear science issues Radiation in Our World: Fun Facts and Activities (.pdf, 448Kb) Radiation in Our World: Fun Facts and Activities Answers (.pdf, 206Kb)
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Links
	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Radiation Protection American Nuclear Society Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc. Health Physics Society Idaho State University Radiation Information Network Institute for Energy and Environmental Research International Atomic Energy Agency International Commission on Radiological Protection National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Nevada Nuclear Waste Project Office New Mexico Environmental Evaluation Group New Mexico WIPP Transportation Safety Program Nuclear Energy Institute Nuclear Information and Resources Service Southern States Energy Board State Radiation Program Contacts Union of Concerned Scientists U.S. Department of Energy National Transuranic Waste Program U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission University of Michigan Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences Western Governors' Association
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Understanding Radiation

EPA's RadTown USA

Understanding Radiation in Our World
(Guidebook - View PDF)

Resources

Resources for Journalists

Radiation Resource Kit for Teachers

Links

Materials

Training

Publications

Understanding Radiation

EPA's RadTown USA

Understanding Radiation in Our World (Guidebook - View PDF)

Resources

Resources for Journalists

Radiation Resource Kit for Teachers

Links

Materials

Training

Publications

Understanding Radiation in Our World
(Guidebook - View PDF)