Translating science into recommendations: the development of NCRP Report No. 180

Abstract

The development of new recommendations for radiological protection is a complex process of translating scientific knowledge of radiation risks into a coherent system for protection, using experience and ethical values. From 2014 to 2019, the US National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) engaged in the development of updated recommendations to replace those previously published in 1993. This process included considering the experiences gained with implementation of the NCRP recommendations, and the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The new recommendations, now published as NCRP Report No. 180, go beyond the previous recommendations of the ICRP and NCRP, providing new approaches to emergency response and protection of the environment, covering additional topics not previously addressed in medical exposure. The system of protection continues to rely on justification of actions, optimisation of protection, and use of individual dose criteria to achieve the best protection for each exposure situation. For the first time in general recommendations, ethical values are discussed, and their use in complex decision making to achieve sustainable and supportable decisions outlined. The importance of stakeholder engagement is highlighted, as is the relationship with a radiation protection and safety culture. This paper outlines some of the questions and considerations that were part of the development of NCRP Report No. 180.