The Radiation Health Unit of the Department of Health is the Government's adviser on radiation safety and protection. It advises the Government on the protection of public health in the event of a nuclear incident, on the management of radioactive materials and wastes, and the effects on health of radiation exposure. It also serves as the executive arm of the Radiation Board, which is the statutory authority set up under the Radiation Ordinance, to control the import, export, sale, possession and use of radioactive substances and irradiating apparatus. It safeguards public health against ionising radiation through licensing control and inspection of premises where radioactive substances or irradiating apparatuses are present. It also conducts radiation monitoring measurements for occupationally exposed persons.

    In 2002, the unit assessed and issued 8 173 licences and permits and provided monitoring service to 8 000 occupationally exposed persons. The average radiation exposure of occupationally exposed persons was 0.09 mSv against an annual statutory limit of 20.