Radiological Health
Responsible for safe use of radiation sources within the state of Alaska
Who we are
Radiological Health is a program within the State Public Health Laboratories. This program is responsible for ensuring the safe use of radiation sources with emphasis on x-ray producing devices within the state of Alaska. Our office collaborates with other agencies, such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), to protect the health and safety of all Alaska residents.
What we do
Under Alaska Statute, the Radiological Health Program is responsible for protecting the public from radiation hazards. We do this by establishing regulations, guides, and policies related to using X-ray devices and other radiation sources. Our radiation protection priorities include both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
The state directly oversees X-ray producing devices. We also may be asked to review situations involving radioactive materials.
Our focus is:
- Registration and inventory of all X-ray producing devices
- Registration of all vendors servicing X-ray devices
- Inspecting facilities that use radiation sources
- Ensuring quality control and assurance in the use of radiation sources
- Measurement and safe use of radiation sources
- Evaluating hazards in the use of radiation sources
- Reviewing design plans and shielding for radiation sources
- Determining effects of health exposures to radiation sources
- Working with other agencies to address radiation hazards to include radioactive materials
We do not have regulations regarding medical use lasers, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultraviolet radiation (ie. tanning beds), or electromagnetic radiation (transmitting towers).
Resources
- To update facility and device information, see the Radiological Health Database.
- To find Information for Dental facilities, see Dental and X-ray Devices.
Both links are in Related Resources, below.