Radiation Resources Outside of EPA

EPA sets protective limits on ionizing radiation in the environment resulting from human use of radioactive elements such as uranium. EPA does not regulate radiation in medicine or the non-ionizing radiation that is emitted by electrical devices such as cell phones and transmitters.  The links below provide information from the agencies responsible for radiation associated with electronic devices, nuclear power plants, medicine, and commercial products.

On this page:

• Electronic devices
• Cell phones
• Smart meters
• Power lines
• Medical use of radiation
• ​Nuclear power plants
• Imported goods

Electronic Devices

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets standards for electronic devices that emit non-ionizing or ionizing radiation. For more information, see FDA’s page:

• Radiation-Emitting Products

Cell Phones

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets limits on exposure to the electromagnetic radiation from cell phones and towers. For more information, see FCC’s pages:

• Wireless Devices and Health Concerns
• Radio Frequency Safety
• Questions and Answers about Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields
• Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for Cellular Telephones

The FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for cell phones with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Under the law, the FDA is responsible for making available scientific information on the nature and extent of the hazards and control of electronic product radiation.

•  Cell phones

Smart Meters

Smart meters are equipped with a cellular transmitter that works using electromagnetic radiation. The FCC sets exposure limits for the electromagnetic radiation emitted by smart meters. For more information, see FCC’s page:

• Wireless Devices and Health Concerns

Power Lines

Power lines emit electric and magnetic fields (EMF), which are forms of non-ionizing radiation. There are no U.S. federal standards limiting residential or occupational exposure to EMF from power lines. For more information, see pages from the following organizations:

• World Health Organization - Electromagnetic Fields
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences - EMF: Electric and Magnetic Fields Associated with the Use of Electric Power

Medical Use of Radiation

Some medical procedures use ionizing radiation to help diagnose or treat illnesses. These procedures can include x-rays, CT scans, and radiation therapy to treat cancer.

• FDA regulates medical devices and ensures device safety in all medical settings.  For more information, see FDA’s pages: 
  • Radiation-Emitting Products
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information about medical procedures that use radiation. For more information, see CDC’s page: 
  • Radiation and Your Health
• The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates the manufacture and use of radioactive materials in nuclear medicine, radiation therapy and research. For more information, see NRC’s pages: 
  • Regulation of Radioactive Materials 
  • Medical Uses of Nuclear Materials
• EPA has an indirect role in the use of radiation in medicine. EPA develops and issues general radiation guidance to other federal agencies as a reference to develop rules and regulations to protect public health. For more information, see our page: 
  • Federal Guidance for Radiation Protection

Nuclear Power Plants

• The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licenses and regulates nuclear power plants. For more information, see NRC’s pages: 
  • Operator Licensing
  • NRC Regulations: Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) oversees radiological emergency response planning for state and local authorities in the event of a nuclear power plant incident. For more information, see: 
  • Ready.gov: Nuclear Power Plants
• EPA plays a limited role in regulating nuclear power. EPA sets limits on radiation exposure to the public from normal operations of uranium fuel facilities. For more information, see our page: 
  • Environmental Radiation Protection Standards for Nuclear Power Operations (40 CFR Part 190)

Imported Goods

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) screens imported products for harmful substances. For more information, see CBP’s page:

• Cargo Security and Examinations