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.
Should we fear the sun? What is a Suntan?
A suntan is the result of the body’s natural defense mechanism against the damaging ultraviolet sun rays. This defense mechanism is based on a pigment called melanin
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National Day of Mourning, April 28, 2021
TODAY IS OUR NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING It is April 28th, the National Day of Mourning, when we take a moment to remember those who have lost their lives or suffered an injury or illness at work. One year into this global pandemic, health and...
read moreFrank Saunders (April 4, 1954 – July 3, 2020)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Saunders, a trusted and valued member of the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada. Frank joined the Institute’s Board of Directors in 2008 where his commitment and knowledge played a pivotal role in the...
read moreQuestions 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