Final answer:
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) develops and monitors standards for handling radioactive materials, ensuring public and environmental safety through programs like Radioactive Waste Management and emergency preparedness guidelines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Standards for handling radioactive materials are developed and monitored by various regulatory bodies. In the United States, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is primarily responsible for regulating the civilian use of nuclear materials and facilities, supervising energy transmission, and enforcing safety standards for consumer goods and the workplace. The EPA's radioactive waste management program ensures the safety of handling, storage, and disposal of radioactive waste. This includes both naturally occurring radioactive materials and the waste produced from nuclear power plants.
The Radioactive Waste Management program includes overseeing uranium mill tailings, which contain radium, and managing high-level radioactive waste, such as used nuclear reactor fuel. Both require stringent safety measures for storage and handling. Furthermore, the EPA has emergency preparedness programs and issues Protective Action Guides to safeguard the public in the event of a radiological incident. These rigorous regulations protect air and water quality and help prevent potential contamination from uncontrolled nuclear reactions.
For workers in radiation environments, additional protection is provided through heavy clothing, gloves, and lab coats, and storage of radioactive materials in shielded containers. The proper handling of radioactive materials within facilities, such as nuclear medicine departments in hospitals, is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, ensuring safety for both healthcare workers and patients.