Radiological Safety for Particle Accelerators: What Part Will the States Play?

Since the early 1940s, both federal agencies and state governments have taken an active role in the control of radiation. The Atomic Energy Act of 1946 did not apply to radiation that originated from radiation producing machines and supervision over the public health problems associated with this source of radiation remained within the jurisdiction of individual states. To aid states in the development of radiation regulations the Suggested State Regulations for the Control of Radiation was published by the Council of State Governments in 1962. It is this document which states are turning to for assistance in the promulgation of accelerator-directed regulations.