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Radiation Protection

What are Protective Action Guides (PAGs) and why are they important?

PAGs, or Protective Action Guides, are radiation dose guidelines that would trigger public safety measures, such as evacuation or staying inside, to safeguard public health after a radiation emergency has occurred. The PAGs help responders plan for and respond to radiation emergencies.

Every emergency is different, and the best action or set of actions in one situation may not be appropriate at another time or in another situation.

Officials use the PAGs, combined with their existing local knowledge, to help them make the very important decisions about which emergency steps are warranted and when those steps should be enacted.

For more information, visit Protective Action Guides (PAGs).

Return to Frequent Questions about Radiation Protection.