Which federal agency is typically associated with monitoring the use of radioactive materials in laboratories?

• A. Occupational Health and Safety Administration
• B. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
• C. Radiation Safety Office
• D. Department of Energy

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that federal oversight of radioactive materials in U.S. laboratories is provided by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The NRC licenses the possession and use of radioactive materials, establishes safety standards, and conducts inspections to ensure compliance.

Inside institutions, a Radiation Safety Office or program implements those NRC requirements day to day. It handles inventory control, training, personnel dosimetry, waste management, and the enforcement of procedures to keep operations safe. While this on-site office is essential for maintaining safety, it is not a federal agency.

Other options aren’t the primary regulator for most lab activities: OSHA covers general workplace safety, not the specific licensing of radioactive materials, and the Department of Energy regulates certain national labs and federal facilities rather than common university or industry labs.