Managing Low Dose Radiation Exposure

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The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) review of its general recommendations initiated in 2021 presents an opportunity to address imbalances in the radiological protection system. The area of low dose is of particular significance as it covers all public planned exposure as well as the overwhelming majority of occupational exposure. While accepting the linear no threshold model as the basis of the radiological protection system, this position statement argues that decision-making at low doses should be proportional with the very low risks involved, accepting that radiation is just one of many potential hazards that must be considered and taking account of the wider considerations of sustainability. Adopting such an approach will bring socio-economic benefits and make the risks from low dose radiation more understandable to the general public.

This position statement has been produced by the Radiological Protection Working Group (RPWG) of World Nuclear Association. The RPWG advocates scientifically-based policies and practices supported by industry experience to provide sufficient protection to workers, the public and the environment. It channels the global industry’s voice on radiological protection questions, as it interfaces with institutions, such as the ICRP and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Radiation Safety Standards Committee (RASSC).