Ten principles and ten commandments of radiation protection.

Abstract

For decades, the phrase "time, distance, and shielding" has been presented as summarizing the "basics" of radiation protection. Indeed, for protection from external radiation sources, these three principles are probably the most important ones on which a worker can make decision and take actions. however, these principles do not address protection against intakes of radioactive materials or "ontakes" (skin contamination), other risk-limiting measures, or other important protective measures taken by governments, public health agencies, regulators, and institutional programs (measures such as performance standards, health education, facility engineering requirements, and administrative procedures), I have identified ten principles and ten accompanying commandments of radiation protection: time, distance, dispersal, source reduction, source barrier, personal barrier, decorporation, effect mitigation, optimal technology, and limitation of other exposures. Corresponding non-technical forms of the commandments are hurry (but don't be hasty); stay away from it; disperse it and dilute it; use as little as possible; keep it in; keep it out; get it out or off of you (after intake or skin contamination); limit the damage; choose the best technology (perhaps a non-radiation technology); and don't compound risks (don't smoke). Technical versions of the commandments are also provided using the verbs "optimize," "maximize," or"minimize." Not all commandments can be applied at the same time, and application may be different for workers and members of the public. Advantages, disadvantages, and implementation of these principles and commandments are discussed, and numerous examples provided. The application of the principles and commandments must be based on knowledge of the radiological conditions to be managed.