What is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding radiation?

The responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding radiation primarily involves establishing standards and enforcing compliance to protect the environment from the harmful effects of radiation. The agency sets guidelines and regulations aimed at limiting radiation exposure to safe levels in order to safeguard human health and the ecosystem. This includes assessing radiation levels in various environments, such as air, water, and soil, and ensuring that public health is maintained by regulating the release of radioactive materials.

While other options mention important aspects related to radiation, they do not accurately describe the EPA's main role. Monitoring personal safety in work environments typically falls under the jurisdiction of organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), rather than the EPA. Managing all aspects of nuclear energy production is primarily the responsibility of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which oversees reactors and material governing nuclear energy. Promoting public awareness about radiation may be part of the EPA’s educational outreach but is not its central responsibility. Therefore, establishing and enforcing standards for environmental protection from radiation clearly defines the EPA's role in this context.