A father who urinated in his backyard while he was being treated with nuclear medicine has exposed his family to radiation, according to a new report.

The man discharged himself from hospital after receiving radiotherapy involving nuclear medicine, before relieving himself in his garden.

He is among hundreds of people who have been exposed to radiation and been reported to the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPNSA).

The latest statistics show a total of 575 incidents were reported in 2017, which was an increase by 47 per cent from the previous year.

The man discharged himself from hospital after receiving radiotherapy which involved nuclear medicine, before relieving himself in his garden (stock image)

A report by ARPNSA found that Australia is 'generally very safe' with 'strict controls in place.'

Last month two employees at a nuclear plant were exposed to a radiation dose equivalent to cancer-busting radiation therapy while they were working.

A recently opened $168million medical lab at the nuclear facility in southern Sydney's Lucas Heights was temporarily closed down after reports three employees were exposed to unsafe levels of radiation.

Australia has never had a nuclear power station and the Queensland Liberal National Party is campaigning against one being built.