Development of Regulatory Programs under the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968
Robert L. Elder, Walter C. Baugh, Jr. · 1972
The 1968 Radiation Control Act authorized federal performance standards for radiation-emitting electronic products and required manufacturers to correct radiation safety defects.
Plain English Summary
The Act became effective October 18, 1968 and gave the Bureau of Radiological Health authority to set performance standards and require defect corrections. Three performance standards were promulgated for television receivers, cold-cathode gas-discharge tubes, and microwave ovens. The television standard set a maximum X-ray exposure rate of 0.5 mR/h at 5 cm from the housing with phased compliance dates. The microwave oven standard limited radiation leakage to 1 mW/cm² at manufacture and 5 mW/cm² throughout the oven's lifetime. The Bureau worked with 17 manufacturers to resolve defects or non-compliance, all cooperatively.
Why This Matters
The law directed the Bureau to conduct studies on exposure conditions and biological effects of electronic product radiation. A 15-member advisory committee with industry, government, and public representatives reviews proposed standards. Performance standards take effect one to two years after final publication in the Federal Register. Manufacturers must attach a permanent label certifying compliance based on a testing program not disapproved by the Bureau. Over 300 manufacturers submitted initial reports and television testing programs were evaluated and some modified.
Show BibTeX
@article{development_of_regulatory_programs_under_the_radiation_control_for_health_and_sa_g3906,
author = {Robert L. Elder and Walter C. Baugh and Jr.},
title = {Development of Regulatory Programs under the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968},
year = {1972},
}