Key Issues
Beneficial Uses of Radiation
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November 2008
Key Facts
November 2008
Key Facts
- Modern society uses ionizing radiation, a form of energy abundant in nature, to provide hundreds of beneficial uses. Radioisotopes are both naturally occurring and man-made. They are used safely for medical diagnosis and treatment, in common household products such as television sets and smoke alarms, to produce electricity, and in basic scientific research, manufacturing, minerals exploration, and agriculture.
- America’s digital economy and high standard of living would not be possible without radioactive materials. These materials make processes better, easier, quicker and cheaper. In some cases, no alternatives to radioactive materials exist.
- The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, together with state regulatory agencies, controls the use and handling of man-made radiation.
- Radioactive materials also provide substantial economic benefits. Worldwide, nuclear applications in industry alone—including measurement gauges, smoke detectors and sterilization of medical supplies—account for more than $40 billion each year.
