​​​The Radiation Health Branch supports beneficial use of radiation, evaluates and controls hazards associated with the use of radiation and protects citizens of the commonwealth from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation.

Because Kentucky has state regulations at least as restrictive as federal regulations including those suggested by the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission grants the state regulatory oversight of all Atomic Energy Act activities in Kentucky, except federal facilities and certain special nuclear material.

The Radiation Health Program licenses, registers and certifies all uses of radiation, conducts inspections, reviews and validates environmental surveillance data, manages compliance activity and administers the state​ emergency response to radiological incidents and emergencies. The branch is equipped to respond to these events 24 hours a day.

The Radiation Health Program reviews and validates all data related to the Maxey Flats disposal site currently undergoing court-ordered Superfund remediation.

Maxey Flats disposal site information is available from the Radiation Health Program.

Radioactive Materials

The Radioactive Materials section deals with licensing and control of any natural or man-made material that continuously emits ionizing radiation. 

Radiation Producing Machines​

The Radiation Producing Machines section deals with licensing and control of machines that can emit ionizing radiation at specific times. 

Radiation/Environmental Monitoring​​

The Radiation/Environmental Monitoring section collects​ and analyzes samples from various sites throughout the state to verify safe radiation levels of air, ground and water supplies. ​ ​