The Bureau of Radiological Health is responsible for protecting the public health and safety from unnecessary radiation from a diversity of sources that spans a wide spectrum of applications in the healing arts, research and educational institutions, and industry. The regulation and emergency response involving sources of radiation require a staff with multi-disciplinary skills and extensive training.
Radiological Health is responsible for the licensure and inspection of radioactive materials that are natural occurring or accelerator produced. There are approximately 500 licensed facilities in South Carolina.
Radiological Health is designed to ensure that South Carolina citizens benefit from appropriate use of radiation and radioactive material and environmental radioactive material.
Radiological Health is also responsible for the registration, inspection, and certification of X-ray machines in this state. There are approximately 6,000 X-ray machines registered.
Radiological Health coordinates with DHEC's Department of Emergency Management for training activities and response to radiological emergencies.
SC DHEC Radiological Health has made tremendous strides in cooperation with industry and users of radiation producing equipment and radioactive material. Radiological Health's programs prevent most serious errors from being made. Examples would be the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) program, reduction in dose from fluoroscopy, improved diagnostic methods, reductions in worker dose, improvements in safety from non-destructive testing, and others. These improvements in an individual's health and safety are due to the partnership between DHEC's Radiological Health and the regulated industry.
For more information, contact Aaron Gantt at (803) 545-4400.