American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 137, Issue 6, 1278-1283
Copyright © 1981 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Federal radiation initiatives wane in Reagan administration
OW Linton
A series of administrative initiatives undertaken by the Carter Administration in response to public concerns about harmful effects of exposures to ionizing radiation in various settings has been abandoned by the Reagan Administration. The decision to discard the Radiation Policy Council, the coordinating agency established in 1980, leaves the federal government with no overall focus or overall budget for radiation research and protection activities. The line agencies with direct radiation responsibilities, including the Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Defense, Food and Drug Administration's Bureau of Radiological Health, and Department of Labor, continue with somewhat contradictory and uncoordinated programs.