Final answer:
Federal regulation of radioactive materials in the U.S. is primarily overseen by the EPA, which establishes guidelines to manage radioactive waste and protect against environmental contamination. This includes the Radiation Source Reduction and Management program and compliance with transportation and disposal regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The federal regulation that governs the use of radioactive materials in the United States is primarily administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the authority provided by various federal acts including the Nuclear Waste Policy Act and the Atomic Energy Act. The EPA establishes guidelines and regulatory standards to manage different radioactive waste streams, such as uranium mill tailings, nuclear reactor fuel, and general environmental radiation protection measures to avoid contamination of air, water, and soil.
For example, Radiation Source Reduction and Management addresses the reduction and proper handling of sources of radiation. The EPA also oversees the Naturally-Occurring Radioactive Materials Program, which pertains to radiation from natural sources. Moreover, the United States Department of Transportation and the EPA together enforce regulations on the transportation and disposal of hazardous materials, including radioactive substances.
It's important for entities that use or handle radioactive materials to understand and comply with the regulations to protect public health and the environment from the potential hazards of radiation exposure. These federal guidelines help to safely manage radioactive materials and ensure proper risk assessments are conducted for facilities that may impact the environment or public health with radioactive contaminants.