Developing a system of protection that supports effective optimisation of exposures at low doses – the nuclear industry perspective

The nuclear industry has had an impressive record of reducing occupational exposure. With numerous optimisation processes radiation exposures became extremely low, with worker exposures comparable to natural background radiation and public exposures at tiny fractions of it. As radiation is only one among many risks we are exposed to, it should not be considered in isolation from other types of hazards. ICRP should make greater efforts to ensure that the system of protection recognises the full interaction between all relevant risks and benefits. The system of protection should aim to be understandable to non-specialists, and any proposed changes should avoid additional complexity, thereby reducing practicability. Most RP decisions in practice relate to low exposures at levels within the variability of natural background radiation. At these low levels the risks are uncertain, but at worst are what is generally regarded as very low. Whilst the need for prudence is recognised, there is also a need for proportionality and a wider context in decision-making which recognises the universal presence of natural background radiation. There is also a challenge of over-conservatism, both in approaches to dose assessments and in regulatory expectations. More emphasis is necessary on the practical application of a graded approach.