DHSS Press Release

ENHANCED PUBLIC EDUCATION WEBSITE LAUNCHED DURING RADIATION PROTECTION WEEK IN DELAWARE

DOVER, DE (Nov. 10, 2015) - It's no surprise that radiation is emitted through many medical devices such as X-ray machines, but fewer people know that it can be produced by, or found in, smoke detectors, granite, and fluorescent lightbulbs. To encourage Delawareans to learn more about radiation, its sources and its benefits, the Authority on Radiation Protection launched its upgraded website deradiationprotection.org on Monday Nov. 9, 2015.

The launch of the enhanced site coincides with Governor Jack Markell's proclamation of November 8-14, 2015, as Radiation Protection Week in Delaware, which commemorates the discovery of X-rays on November 8, 1895, by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen.

"We're extremely excited to unveil our new website and mark this important week," said Dr. Frances S. Esposito, Authority Chairperson and representative from the Delaware Medical Society. "We hope that people, especially teachers, students and professionals will find it to be a more user-friendly source of information about the science of radiation."

The updated website features a new layout and updated content featuring resources for teachers, students, patients and their parents, the media and professionals engaged in dental, medical, industrial and veterinary fields on radiation and radiation protection principles and practices.

"Radiation protection professionals ensure that the beneficial uses of radiation are safe and available throughout the healing arts, industry, education, research and government, while minimizing the hazards of radiation exposure," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director of the state Division of Public Health (DPH). "They play a vitally important role in protecting the health of all Delawareans."

DPH's Office of Radiation Control provides administrative support for the Authority on Radiation Protection, a public board of volunteers appointed by the Governor, which was established in 1976. The Authority is responsible for instituting and maintaining a regulatory program for sources of ionizing radiation in compliance with state and federal standards, instituting and maintaining a program to permit development and utilization of sources of ionizing radiation, and encourage the constructive uses of radiation, and prohibiting and preventing exposure to ionizing radiation in amounts that are or may be detrimental to the public's health.

The Authority on Radiation Protection's website is housed at Delaware State University. For more information on the Authority, visit deradiationprotection.org.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.