Which organization is primarily responsible for establishing radiation protection standards in the U.S.?

The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) plays a crucial role in establishing radiation protection standards in the United States. The NCRP is a non-profit organization that provides guidance and recommendations on radiation safety and protection to the public and relevant governmental agencies. Established in 1929, it offers a scientific basis for protection against radiation, focusing on minimizing exposure to both artificial and natural radiation. The recommendations from NCRP have been instrumental in forming the regulatory standards that various agencies adopt in their policies.

While other organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have important roles related to radiation—such as regulating radioactive materials and ensuring public health—they do not primarily set the radiation protection standards. The EPA focuses more on environmental regulations, the NRC oversees nuclear power plants and their safety, and the FDA regulates medical devices and pharmaceuticals involving radiation. In contrast, the NCRP directly focuses on the standards for radiation protection across various sectors.