The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Agreement States regulate the use of radioactive material in order to protect people and the environment. Material licensees have the primary responsibility to maintain the security and accountability of the radioactive material in their possession. While the events of September 11, 2001 put new emphasis on security to prevent the malicious use of radioactive material, such as in dirty bombs, the NRC continues to work with its Federal and State partners, as well as with the international community, to provide appropriate safety and security requirements for radioactive materials without discouraging their beneficial use.
Radioactive byproduct material provides critical capabilities in the oil and gas, electrical power, construction and food industries; are used to treat millions of patients each year in diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures; and are used in technology research and development.
The actions taken by NRC address the legislation in Title VI - Nuclear Matters, Sub-Title D - Nuclear Security, of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The NRC manages material security primarily through its Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS), and the Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response (NSIR).
NRC Activities for Radioactive Material Security
Activities Related to the NRC Effort for Radioactive Material Security
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, June 13, 2023