A Summary of Historical Evolution of Radiation Protection Policy From ICRP

Abstract The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), as an unofficial organization dedicated to advancing the science of radiation protection, plays a crucial role in formulating radiation protection guidelines, providing scientific advice, and establishing principles in this field. By drawing Sankey map, combing ICRP’s past publications, and investigating history of radiation protection, this study deeply reviewed the focus of ICRP’s work in different periods, evolution and significance of specific concepts, gradual clarification and deepening of radiation protection concepts, and key directions of ICRP’s future work. By investigating the development and reasons behind the evolution of the classification of radiation situations and the underlying objectives in radiation protection over different periods, this study emphasizes that the shifts in the concept of radiation protection are rooted in the experiences gained through continuous practical applications in real world. Moreover, we provide a detailed discussion on the four major ethical values of radiation protection — beneficence and non-maleficence, prudence, justice, and dignity — highlighting their manifestations and developments during different time periods. This study delves into the relationships between the concepts and principles of radiation protection. Meanwhile, by discussing the relationship between updating of radiation protection theory and the understanding of radiation effects, re-examining the Linear No-Threshold hypothesis based on dose, balancing radiation harms with social values, and standardized management of radiation medicine, the inspiration of the continuous development of ICRP radiation protection concept was proposed.