THE MODERN STATE OF PROBLEM OF PROVIDING RADIO PROTECTION OF UKRAINE'S POPULATION FROM NATURAL RELEASE SOURCES (review of literature).

Abstract

The article focuses on a scientific literature review connected with data summarizing of long-term studies of pop-ulation exposure to natural ionizing radiation sources. In order to assess the current state of the problem ofensuring radiation protection of the population of Ukraine from natural sources of radiation, the author analyzesthe scientific approaches and principles of the theory of anti-radiation protection by examining the recommen-dations of leading international organizations and the domestic specifics of limiting irradiation from naturalsources. Moreover, it highlights the main historical stages of the introduction of national regulations for limit-ing population exposure to certain natural radiation sources. Besides, the author presents research results of for-eign and national scientists towards the natural radioactivity of environmental compartments and area of humanhabitation.According to the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), an averageannual effective radiation dose per capita from natural sources is 2.4 mSv that is 46 % of the total dose of humanexposure. In Ukraine, a dose from natural radiation sources is 3.5 mSv per year that determines 60% of the total doseof human exposure.Reported by UNSCEAR an average annual dose of human exposure to all factors is 5.2 mSv, while the natural com-ponent with the technogenic enhanced background contributes 4.2 mSv per year to the total dose where there isradon-222 - 1.5 mSv per year. In Ukraine, the total dose of population exposure is rather more and is 5.9 mSv peryear, while the natural component ratio with the technogenic enhanced background is notably higher and up to 5.1mSv per year. Part of radon-222 is 2.4 mSv per year in it.Attention is paid to the reassessment of the magnitude of radiation risks caused by radon, which served as thebasis for improving approaches aimed at ensuring radon safety for the population. Radon is the most determiningradiation factor for the population that requires careful regulatory control by government programs.