Abstract
The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has developed and systematically updated the system of radiological protection, which now recommends optimisation of protection measures within or guided by appropriate restrictions, such as dose constraints or reference levels, in all circumstances. This applies to all exposure situations (planned, emergency and existing) and all categories of exposure (occupational, medical, and public). Optimisation of protection is intended to reduce exposures to levels that are as low as reasonably achievable, economic and societal considerations being taken into account, and to manage medical exposures commensurate with the medical purpose.
The system of radiological protection is built on solid foundations of current scientific knowledge, more than a century of experience, and fundamental ethical and social values. The latter includes consideration of prudence and equity; doing more good than harm, and the most good for the most people; fulfilling obligations to provide an appropriate level of protection for each person; and favouring human dignity and the well-being of people. At the present time, an ICRP Task Group is actively engaging with professionals around the world to examine the ethical basis of the system of protection, and to provide further elaborations as appropriate. Symposia on this topic are currently being organised jointly by ICRP and radiation protection societies affiliated to the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) in Asia, Europe and in North America. The many advantages of re-examining the ethical foundations include ensuring that our decision making is sound and logical, and that we can relate effectively to the issues, concerns, and needs of the wide range of stakeholders who come into contact with radiation and radioactive materials. In addition to ensuring that the science is correct, we must also rely on universal values and address the concerns that are part of the complex and, for many, unknown technologies that impact our lives.
The Commission has also embarked upon an approach to identify areas where the need exists to provide recommendations focussed on specific fields, and then work with stakeholders in those fields to develop publications to meet those needs. The current publication on radiological protection in security screening is the first result of this effort. Fittingly, it is an example of a situation in which the usual set of ethical values and approaches is challenged because of an identified need to protect groups from threats to their security. It is also an example of a situation in which the optimisation of protection from radiological hazards is only one small consideration in a much larger decision-making process.
The Commission looks forward to continuing its active engagement with radiological protection professionals, international organisations, and many other types of stakeholders to provide timely and useful advice to improve our dialogue and understanding of how radiological protection fits into our daily lives.