Swedish Radiation Safety Authority

Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (Strålsäkerhetsmyndigheten) is a government agency in Sweden responsible for radiation protection and nuclear safety. Established in 2008, it operates under the jurisdiction of the Swedish Ministry of the Environment and Energy. The authority's main objective is to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation, whether it be in healthcare, industry, or nuclear power production.

History

The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority was formed through the merger of the Swedish Radiation Protection Authority (Strålskyddsinstitutet) and parts of the Swedish Nuclear Power Inspectorate (Statens kärnkraftinspektion). This reorganization aimed to create a more efficient and comprehensive regulatory body capable of addressing the full spectrum of radiation safety issues.

Responsibilities

The authority's responsibilities encompass a wide range of areas, including:

• Regulating the use of radiation in medical, industrial, and research applications.
• Supervising nuclear power plants to ensure they operate within safety standards.
• Managing radioactive waste and decommissioning of nuclear facilities.
• Participating in international cooperation on radiation safety and nuclear security.
• Providing information and advice on radiation protection to the public and professionals.

Regulatory Framework

The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority operates under a framework of national and international laws and agreements. Key legislation includes the Swedish Radiation Protection Act and the Nuclear Activities Act. Internationally, it adheres to guidelines and standards set by organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).

Research and Development

Research and development are crucial to the authority's mission. It funds and conducts research in various areas of radiation protection and nuclear safety to advance knowledge, improve regulatory methods, and ensure that Sweden's practices align with the latest scientific findings.

Publications and Guidance

The authority publishes a range of documents, including guidelines, reports, and educational materials, to support compliance with radiation safety regulations and promote best practices among professionals and the general public.

See Also

• Nuclear power in Sweden
• Radiation protection
• Nuclear safety
• International Atomic Energy Agency
• European Atomic Energy Community

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