The Bureau of Radiological Health email address is [email protected].
Licensing, registration, inspection and enforcement are the main components of the Iowa Radioactive Materials (RAM) Program.
Ionizing radiation can be instrumental in the improvement of health, welfare and productivity if used properly. Radiation can be hazardous to people if they are exposed to it in significant amounts. Through the licensing, registration, inspection and enforcement program, the Iowa RAM Program regulates the possession and use of radioactive material to help ensure public health and safety.
In addition to the duties listed above, RAM Program staff also have the following responsibilities:
- Specific license issuance, renewal, amendment and terminations
- Site inspections of all specific licensees. Inspection frequency is based on threat to public health and safety. Licenses fall into 21 different categories, including medical, industrial radiography, industrial portable moisture/density gauges, and academia or private research and development.
- Security inspections of licensees that are subject to Iowa Administrative Code 641 Chapter 39.
- Registration of generally licensed material and medical oncology/industrial radiation producing machines.
- Tracking of radioactive shipments in Iowa.
- Offsite response organization responsible for protection of the public during a nuclear power plant accident.
- Station operator for the Des Moines location of the Environmental Protection Agency RadNet air monitoring station.
- Training of first responders including but not limited to regional Hazardous Materials Teams, Iowa State Patrol and Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officers.
- After hours contact for any radiological emergency in the State of Iowa.