Protecting People

Emergency Management

Protecting the Environment

Nuclear Safety and Security in Canada

Protecting People

Every day people are exposed to both natural and man-made sources of ionizing radiation. Heat and light from the sun are examples of naturally occurring radiation.

A few examples of man-made sources of radiation are:

• Dental and medical x-ray machines,
• nuclear power stations and
• radiographic cargo inspection systems at border crossings

The Radiation Protection Regulations set limits on the amount of radiation the public and nuclear workers may receive.  Under the Canadian regulatory regime, the public dose limit is 1mSv in one calendar year. 

Radiation Safety Data Sheets provide information on various nuclear substances.

Canadian regulations are consistent with the most recent recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) which is comprised of some of the world's leading scientists and other professionals in the field of radiation protection.

In Canada, standards and practices to protect people from radiation exposure are also developed by the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Radiation Protection Committee. Co-chaired by the CNSC, the committee provides a national forum on radiation protection issues.