Radiation Protection Standards in Relation to ICRP Recommendations

Abstract

AbstractMan has always been exposed to ionizing radiation from various natural sources. The extent of this natural background exposure varies with the location. However, no ill effects have been uniquely correlated with these variations. Either no deleterious effects are produced at these levels of exposure, or their frequency is too low to be statistically observable.The hazards of ionizing radiation became apparent in connection with exposures from manmade sources. The discovery of X-rays and the separation of radioactive substances at the end of the last century brought great benefits, albeit associated with unforeseen hazards. Within 5 years, 170 cases of radiation injuries were recorded, and by 1922, about 100 radiologists had died from radiation overexposure. These observations of radiation injuries in man and the results of radiobiological experiments improved the knowledge of the health effect of radiation, and thereby the need for protection became obvious. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) was established in 1928 under the name of the “International X-ray and Radium Protection Committee (IXRPC)” and published its first recommendation in 1931. Later on, in 1950, it was restructured and named as the present name. The recommendations of ICRP issued from the time-to-time deal with basic principles of radiation protection based on available knowledge from radiobiological and epidemiological findings.The chapter discusses principles behind radiation protection, biological considerations, dose limits and their significance.