TOPICAL ISSUE 2: STANDARDS IN OCCUPATIONAL RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION: TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS

摘要

The paper reviews recent developments in protection standards, particularly since the publication by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) of its revised recommendations in ICRP Publication 60, in order to identify the issues that are likely to be of concern in occupational exposure into the next millennium. Starting from the basic rationale behind occupational health and hence occupational radiological protection, and taking into account the current debate over linearity and threshold, the strategic aims of protection are set out. The translation of these into recommendations by the ICRP and into standards by the international community is described. The procedures for exclusion or exemption from regulatory concern, especially in the context of exposure to natural sources of radiation, are currently a subject of considerable attention. The arguments for and against an annual dose limit or averaging over five years are set out. A major topic of the paper is optimization of protection, as this, rather than compliance with dose limits, is now the principal focus of protection efforts. The types of individual dose monitoring and assessment are discussed, along with the techniques available and the need to keep records. The amount and purpose of health surveillance are questioned in the light of current levels of exposure. Finally, the paper considers the advances in both scientific knowledge and technological development that are likely to affect developments in protection standards in the foreseeable future.