Our Story
Founded in 1980, the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada is an independent non-for-profit national organization dedicated to promoting and advancing radiation safety in the workplace, in the environment and in the community. Our commitment to the principle of “good science in plain language®” guides everything we do.
The founding of the Institute was a direct response to the human disaster in the Elliot Lake uranium mines, where in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, thousands of miners were exposed to excessive amounts of radiation from radon in underground uranium mines of Northern Ontario. Over 200 of these miners have since died of lung cancer, leaving spouses and families behind.
Our Mission
Today the Institute has one mission: PREVENTION of injuries and cancers resulting from unacceptable exposure to radiation. The Institute advances its PREVENTION agenda through advice in radiation safety, awareness building, advocacy efforts and reinforcement of radiation safety networks across the country and internationally. Our PREVENTION efforts are supported by a broad variety of radiation safety services that the institute offers to companies and institutions, labour and community groups and to the general public.
Radiation Safety Partner Breakfast 2025
We are happy to announce that our annual Radiation Safety Partner Breakfast will be held on June 13, 2025 for the first time in a hybrid format. This year is special for us. We are celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Institute and would like nothing better...
Remembering Vic Pakalnis, PEng, MBA
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Vic Pakalnis, a distinguished member of the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada Board of Directors since 1991. Vic’s contributions to the Institute and his lifelong commitment to advancing health...
Calling All Change-Makers! Join Us as Our Content and Engagement Specialist
Are you someone who thrives in a small team with a big mission? Are you ready to dive into creative digital work from behind the scenes—finding new ways to connect people with our vision and make a real impact? If this sounds like you, then read on, because we need...
Questions about Radiation?
The Institute makes its scientist knowledge available to all Canadians and offers a free-of-charge Radiation Safety Information Service. The service provides answers to the questions that workers, employers, unions, government organizations and public may have about radiation safety. The Institute responds to hundreds of enquiries on an annual basis.
Toll Free: 1-800-263-5803
Email: info@radiationsafety.ca