Which organization is primarily responsible for regulating radiation safety?

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is the primary organization responsible for regulating radiation safety in the United States. It oversees the use of nuclear materials and ensures that they are handled in a manner that protects public health and safety, as well as the environment. The NRC establishes regulations that govern the operation of nuclear facilities, the handling of radioactive materials, and the licenses required for these activities.

One of its key roles is to monitor compliance with safety standards and to enforce regulations that minimize radiation exposure to workers and the public. This oversight includes conducting inspections, reviewing safety protocols, and responding to any incidents involving radioactive materials.

While other organizations play significant roles in radiation safety, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focusing more on environmental impacts, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addressing occupational health and safety regulations, the NRC is specifically dedicated to nuclear regulation. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is primarily involved in the development of measurement standards and does not directly regulate radiation safety. Therefore, the NRC's focused regulatory mission in the context of radiation safety establishes it as the correct answer.