Regulating devices that give off radiation

People use and are exposed to radiation sources every day.

Some manufactured devices generate radiation, including:

• medical or clinical devices, such as:
  • CT scanners
  • x-ray machines
  • ultrasound devices
  • laser pointers
  • microwave ovens
  • household power tools
  • tanning beds and equipment
  • cell phone towers
  • analytical x-ray machines, which are used to examine materials

  The Radiation Emitting Devices Act sets the requirements for all devices that give off radiation, except those subject to the:

  • Motor Vehicle Safety Act
  • Nuclear Safety and Control Act

  In Canada, all devices must comply with the standards outlined in the Radiation Emitting Devices Act if they will be:

  Companies are required to comply with federal requirements concerning aspects such as:

  • labelling
  • emissions
  • construction
  • performance

  Radiation-emitting devices classed as consumer products must meet additional requirements of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. Medical devices must meet the regulations in the Food and Drugs Act.

  Monitoring safety and quality

  Health Canada manages the health and safety risks posed by radiation-emitting devices by:

  • staying updated on the latest science
  • conducting reviews and risk assessments
  • sharing information with other regulators
  • researching the safety and risks of devices
  • inspecting and testing devices in our laboratories
  • collecting and analyzing complaints and incident reports from:
    • the public
    • companies
    • health professionals

    We also require companies that manufacture radiation-emitting devices to notify us if:

    • devices are not compliant with the standards of the Radiation Emitting Devices Act
    • radiation from a device is causing a health risk because:
      • it's not working as it's supposed to
      • it's giving off more radiation than is needed

      If data suggest a possible new safety concern with a product, we review available evidence to:

      • confirm the risk
      • decide how best to address the risk

      Depending on the severity of the concern, we may:

      • recommend changes to how the product can be:
        • used
        • manufactured
        • labelled

        Creating policies and setting standards

        Health Canada develops regulations, guidelines, standards and safety codes to reduce risks posed by radiation-emitting devices to:

        • users
        • patients
        • service personnel
        • the general public

        To help companies understand the requirements and their responsibilities more clearly, we produce:

        • guidance documents
        • policies and standards

        Promoting and enforcing compliance

        We make sure companies and products are meeting Canada's high safety and quality standards by:

        • conducting planned reviews of products
        • working with partner organizations, such as the Canada Border Services Agency, to make informed recommendations regarding entry of products into Canada

        If a company fails to comply, we have a range of options to obtain compliance.

        Collaborating with partners

        Health Canada helps to protect your health and safety by working with a range of partners and stakeholders. We provide radiation advice to:

        • general public
        • organizations
        • industry professionals
        • government departments and agencies

        We work with these groups to:

        • share information
        • seek independent expert advice
        • collaborate to help address shared issues that present risks to public health and safety

        Engaging and informing Canadians

        Health Canada engages and informs Canadians on important issues by:

        • publishing recalls and safety alerts
        • emailing alerts on the latest health product safety news

        For more information

        • Consultation on potential amendments to the Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations (Laser Devices)
        • Modernization of the Radiation Emitting Devices Act (REDA) 2020 Consultation - Summary of Results
        • Health Canada's regulatory role