University College Cork uses ionising radiation in research and teaching, where we aim to maximise the benefits of using radioactive materials or radiation-producing instruments while ensuring the safety of all staff, students, the public, and the environment. The use of ionising radiation, whether through x-rays or radionuclides, is an integral part of research and teaching. However, the use of ionising radiation carries inherent risks, and is therefore regulated to ensure the safety of all individuals.

Radon exposure is responsible for approximately half of the total ionising radiation that the average human being receives in a lifetime (followed in magnitude by medical radiation) and is the largest source of natural ionising radiation. Radon is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that comes from the bedrock of the Earth's crust and can accumulate to harmful levels in buildings, particularly in ground floors and basements. Radon exposure is most significant in homes because people spend more of their time there. However, in workplaces radon exposure can also be significant, which is the reason that UCC will be measuring the level of radon in all buildings. 

The primary legislation governing ionising radiation safety in Ireland is the Radiological Protection Act, 1991 (as amended) and established the EPA as the national regulator.  The European Union’s Basic Safety Standards (BSS) directive (2013/59/EURATOM) governing the use of radiation is implemented through: 

• The Ionising Radiation Regulations (2019) the protection of worker(s) and members of the public from the harmful effects of exposure to ionising radiation
• The Medical Exposure Regulations (2018) cover the patient protection provisions of the Directive

Non-ionising radiation (NIR) is a type of radiation that does not have enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules, but it can still interact with people, equipment, and substances, causing both immediate and long-term health and safety effects. Non-ionising radiation occurs both naturally (the sun) and produced by artificial means (radio devices), being ever-present in communications, where mostly there’s little cause for concern.  Common forms of non-ionising radiation encountered at UCC include lasers, ultraviolet lamps and devices used in sterilisation, infrared equipment as well as non-laser sources of artificial optical radiation, electromagnetic fields, microwaves and radio waves.  

For advice on all forms of radiation make contact with the UCC Radiation Protection Officer Dr. Tom Dowdall tdowdall@ucc.ie. For registration of equipment, users and work practices visit: https://www.ucc.ie/en/rpo/.