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Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety.

ARPANSA deals with both ionising and non-ionising radiation. Common sources of ionising radiation include X-rays, CT scans and naturally occurring radioactive materials. Common sources of non-ionising radiation include the sun, mobile phones, base stations and power lines.

Vision and mission

ARPANSA's purpose is to protect the Australian people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.

How ARPANSA can help

ARPANSA ensures radiation protection and nuclear safety for the Australian community by:

  • Undertaking research on the potential health effects of radiation exposure
  • Providing expert advice to the community through various engagements such as our Talk to a Scientist service
  • Offering radiation protection services for individuals and businesses
  • Ensure effective and risk-informed regulation
  • Initiate, maintain, and promote frameworks for protection and safety that are adopted by the jurisdictions across Australia

Information / help lines

Programs, apps and tools

Recommended links

This information was originally published on healthdirect - Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.

Last reviewed: May 2025

Information from this partner

Found 47 results

Your monitoring requirements | ARPANSA

If you work in a workplace where you may be exposed to ionising radiation, you may need to be monitored.

Read more on ARPANSA website

Ultraviolet radiation monitoring | ARPANSA

We maintain a network of solar ultraviolet (UV) measurements in major Australian cities and in the Australian Antarctic territories.

Read more on ARPANSA website

Ultraviolet radiation dose | ARPANSA

Use this chart to see the total UV dose for the day at our monitoring sites.

Read more on ARPANSA website

Ultraviolet radiation index | ARPANSA

Use this chart to see how the UV index varies throughout the day at our monitoring sites.

Read more on ARPANSA website

How to use the ultraviolet radiation index charts | ARPANSA

Read more on ARPANSA website

Buyer's Guide for Sun Protection | ARPANSA

This guide provides information about personal UV protection and to assist consumers in locating suppliers of products that claim to offer protection against solar ultraviolet radiation.

Read more on ARPANSA website

Human Security Screening Using Ionising Radiation | ARPANSA

Read more on ARPANSA website

What is background radiation? | ARPANSA

Read more on ARPANSA website

Nuclear medicine/PET | ARPANSA

Find out more about the Australian diagnostic reference levels for nuclear medicine and positron emission tomography procedures.

Read more on ARPANSA website

Electromagnetic Radiation Health Complaints Register | ARPANSA

ARPANSA closed the Australian Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) Health Complaints Register in April 2022 .

Read more on ARPANSA website

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The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

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