By Jamie Shuster

Responsible for protecting the public health and safety of all South Carolinians, our Bureau of Radiological Health (BRH) works to safeguard against excessive exposure to radiation. As part of this effort, the Bureau provides oversight and regulatory guidance to mitigate potential hazards in environments, like X-ray, tanning facilities and facilities that utilize radioactive materials that use ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

The effects of radiation exposure and contamination can be severe, including acute radiation syndrome, skin burns, cancer, and emotional and psychological distress. Through working hands on with the regulated community, BRH Director Aaron Gantt and his team help to keep South Carolinians safe by ensuring all facilities that use radioactive materials, X-ray and tanning facilities, are registered, licensed, certified, and inspected.  Noted for their professionalism and customer services, the team often receives complements for the job they do upon inspections, responding to complaints/ incidents, phone calls, and emails.

Recently, the entire BRH team was applauded for their efforts by a Director of Radiology at one of the facilities that we help regulate. In an excerpt from a letter to the department, the director wrote:

“Your administrative staff on the switchboard, who is the first contact most callers get when they contact DHEC, is always friendly and helpful.  I have never had the opportunity to call SC DHEC when I have not received helpful advice. They are not obtrusive, are mindful of the work going on around them at the facility, and work with the staff to get their job done without holding up patient care.  I have never had hesitancy in telling my peers to call SC DHEC if they have questions. You guys are the “Good Guys”, out to help us maintain ALARA at our facilities in the best interest of our customers, our patients.” ​

Thanks to all of the members of our BRH team for your continued efforts to help protect the health and safety of South Carolinians.