Contact Radiological Health

The Division of Radiological Health is responsible for protecting Tennesseans and the environment from the hazards associated with ionizing radiation. This responsibility encompasses regulating the use and possession of radioactive materials and radiation producing machines within the state, as well as responding to accidents involving radiation. In addition, the Division monitors the environment for radiation, especially around nuclear facilities and other major radioactive material users.

The Division is comprised of four sections as follows:

The Licensing/Registration/Planning Section licenses medical, academic, and industrial facilities to possess x-ray equipment. A license is issued only upon demonstration by the applicant of the adequacy of required radiation protection programs to protect workers, the public, and the environment from any hazards of radiation presented by the proposed use of the radioactive material. See the Environmental Permitting Handbook for more information.

The Inspection and Enforcement Section inspects licensed and registered facilities to determine compliance with state regulations and special conditions of their licenses or registration. Staff of this section ensure correction of items of non-compliance, and prepare requests for escalated enforcement.

The Technical Services Section performs ambient and site specific environmental monitoring, provides personnel monitoring and instrument calibration services for the Division, conducts emergency response training for the Division and others, provides oversight for Tennessee's low-level radioactive waste activities, and handles special projects.

The Administrative Section handles Division budget, personnel, purchasing, secretarial/clerical support, fee collection/accounts receivable/fee related enforcement, contracts, technical training/travel arrangements, and reports to federal and other state agencies.