Because mineral specimens containing radioactive elements are naturally occurring substances and are collected in small quantities, there are no official licensing requirements for their possession and storage. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does provide recommendations on acceptable radon levels. In addition to the normal concerns of collection storage, it is necessary to minimize the risk to people presented by the nature of the specimens. When considering plans to store radioactive minerals, there are three categories of potential radiation hazard that have to be addressed: External exposure to alpha, beta and gamma radiation; Contamination from radioactive particulate material; and Radon gas emanation which is the major concern in a storage environment.