The Radiological Health Program resides in the Department of Health as follows:
The Division of Radiological Health Program is responsible for protecting the public health and safety from unnecessary radiation from a diversity of sources that spans a wide spectrum of applications in the healing arts, research and educational institutions, and industry. The regulation and emergency response involving sources of radiation require a staff with multi-disciplinary skills and extensive training.
The Division is responsible for the following activities:
Radioactive Materials- There is a licensing and inspection progrram for radioactive materials that are natural occurring or accelerator produced. There are approximately 240 licensed facilities in Virginia. Virginia does not have an agreement with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for Agreement State status. Therefore the NRC regulates by-product, special, and source materials; as well as nuclear reactors in Virginia. Recently the Governor sent a letter of intent to the NRC for entering into an agreement with NRC.
X-ray Machines- The Division is responsible for the registration, inspection, and certification of X-ray machines in the Commonwealth. There are approximately 17,000 X-ray machines registered.
Indoor radon- The Division provides an educational and technical assistance for indoor radon.
Emergency Preparednes and Response- The Division coordinates with the Department of Emergency Management for training activities and response to radiological emergencies.
Environmental Monitoring- the Division collects environmental samples for radiological analysis near various fixed nuclear facilities, such as the North Anna and Surry Nuclear Power Stations.
Radiological Health Program | James Madison Building, 7th Floor | 109 Governor Street, Room 730 | Richmond, VA 23219 | Telephone (804) 864-8150 | Fax: (804) 864-8155