Säteilyturvallisuusvalvonta

Säteilyturvallisuusvalvonta refers to the oversight and regulation of activities involving ionizing and non-ionizing radiation to ensure public health and safety. In Finland, this responsibility is primarily managed by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK). The core objective of säteilyturvallisuusvalvonta is to minimize the risks associated with radiation exposure, whether from natural sources, medical procedures, industrial applications, or nuclear facilities.

This involves establishing safety standards, licensing radiation practices, inspecting facilities, and monitoring radiation levels in the environment. For medical applications, säteilyturvallisuusvalvonta ensures that X-ray equipment, radiotherapy units, and nuclear medicine procedures are used safely and effectively, minimizing patient and staff exposure. In industrial settings, it covers the use of radiation in areas like non-destructive testing and sterilization.

The regulatory framework also addresses emergency preparedness for radiation accidents. Säteilyturvallisuusvalvonta encompasses both routine monitoring and reactive measures to protect the population and the environment from potential harm. The goal is to ensure that the benefits derived from radiation use outweigh the associated risks, and that these risks are kept as low as reasonably achievable. Continuous research and development also inform and update the safety practices overseen by säteilyturvallisuusvalvonta.