Environmental Health & Safety

As a world-class provider of products and services in the highly regulated nuclear industry, MDS Nordion works diligently to comply with a wide variety of standards and regulations. These are set by regulatory bodies in Canada and throughout the world.

The key regulatory organizations include:

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

The nuclear industry in Canada is regulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), formerly the Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB). The Nuclear Safety and Control Act and Regulations govern nuclear substance use in Canada. The CNSC “ protects the health, safety and security of Canadians, as well as the environment, and respects Canada's international commitments toward the peaceful use of nuclear energy.” MDS Nordion is directly accountable to the CNSC for its operations.

International Atomic Energy Agency

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the world´s centre of co-operation in the nuclear field. It was set up as the world´s "Atoms for Peace" organization in 1957 within the United Nations. The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) was created as an independent agency by Congress in 1974 to enable and facilitate the safe, environmentally friendly use radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes. The NRC regulates commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials, such as in nuclear medicine, through licensing, inspection and enforcement of its requirements.