The uptake and controlled release of model active substances from poly(ethylene oxide), (PEO), hydrogels synthesized by irradiation were investigated. For the characterization of network structure of PEO hydrogels, swelling properties in water and the number average molecular weight between crosslinks were determined. Salicylic acid, phthalic acid and resorcinol were used as model substances for their controlled release from PEO hydrogels. The effects of dose rate, total dose and chemical structure of active substance on the uptake and release have been studied. The active substance uptake capacity of hydrogels was found to be lowest for phthalic acid and highest for resorcinol in the gel system obtained by irradiation both at low and high dose rates. The release was lowest both in rate and in total amounts in hydrogels containing phthalic acid, more in those with salicylic acid and highest in those with resorcinol. The physical and chemical factors affecting the release of model compounds such as the network structure of hydrogels and hydrogen bond formation between the adsorbent and PEO chains were discussed.