TH-C-211-01: International Perspectives on Radiation Protection

Abstract

There are some actions which require international cooperation. An example of good cooperation can be found in the largely seamless international use of credit cards and ATM machines. Conversely, an example where international cooperation has not been effective can be found in the diversity of electricity plugs and sockets in different countries. In the area of radiation protection, there are also examples of good and bad cooperation. The global acceptance of concepts and principles of radiation protection as developed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) such as justification, optimization and dose limitation is a good example. Conversely, there are quite a few examples of non-agreement or partial agreement of issues in the field of radiation protection, such as dose limits for workers and members of the public, and acceptance of SI units e.g. Sv and Gy against rem and rad. When it comes to radiation protection of patients, there is Universityersal agreement that there should be no dose limits and that the concept of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) should be used with flexibility. International actions are needed not only to create harmonization of concepts but also to give impetus to some areas, raise awareness about emerging issues and forewarn about upcoming dangers if actions are not initiated by countries well in time. The talk will cover “How does the International System of Radiation Protection work” and inform about an International Action Plan on Radiation Protection of Patients of the IAEA. Is the international system binding or national systems are?. How harmonization is achieved through the work of the IAEA. Ultimately, the role medical physicists and health physicists in implementing the radiation protection requirements for staff and patient protection shall be discussed. Learning Objectives: 1. To understand the system of radiation protection in international and national context 2. To become familiar with international action plan on radiation protection of patients 3. To become familiar with international organizations in the area of medical radiation protection 4. To understand the potential role you can play in international activities