Advice & assistance
Radiation is energy traveling as waves or particles, and can be divided into two classes:
- ionising radiation such as X-rays
- non-ionising radiation such as the radiation from power lines and lasers (see 'Non-ionising radiation regulation' below).
All Australians are exposed to radiation from a variety of natural (background) and artificial sources. Background radiation comes mainly from cosmic radiation and naturally occurring radioactive materials in the ground, air and in the food we eat. The main source of artificial radiation that we receive is from medical diagnosis and treatment.
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) provides information and advice about radiation.
ARPANSA also has a ‘Talk to a Scientist’ service where the public can phone an expert with queries about radiation.
Naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM)
Naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) is the term used to describe materials containing radioactive materials that exist in the natural environment.
NORM is widespread. Sands, clays, soils, rocks and many ores and minerals can contain varying amounts of naturally occurring radionuclides. Uranium mined in South Australia is naturally occurring radioactive material.
Information sheet on NORM
Using a cosmetic tanning unit
Using radiation in school
The use of radiation in schools allows hands-on experience with real radiation sources and can provide benefits from a science learning perspective.
The EPA has published a factsheet, Radiation in schools that contains practical advice and guidance on the safe use of radioactive sources used in schools.
Disposing of smoke detectors
Smoke detectors can contain small amounts of radioactive material. In normal quantities this does not present a risk – the radioactivity in a single domestic smoke alarm is less than 10% of the natural radioactive materials present in 1 m3 of garden soil.
How to dispose
Non-ionising radiation regulation
