Radioactive substances
From their use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease to
their use in energy generation and nuclear weapons, radioactive
substances are used widely in industry, medicine and research in
Scotland. If they are not stored or used properly, they can
potentially cause health problems.
SEPA is responsible for regulating the keeping and use of
radioactive substances and the accumulation and disposal of
radioactive wastes. Our State of Scotland's
Environment 2006 report showed a downward trend in levels of
man-made radioactivity in the environment over the last decade, and
we aim to further minimise the impact of the disposal of
radioactive wastes on human health and the environment.
Find out more about our work in regulating nuclear and
non-nuclear sites, as well as our involvement in Scotland's largest
nuclear decommissioning project, Dounreay in Caithness.
You can report an incident involving radioactive
material or radioactive waste by calling SEPA's 24 hour pollution
hotline: 0800 80 70 60.