This paper presents a review of available data on the average level of equivalent dose to the red bone marrow in France, due to natural and some medical exposures. The sources of exposure to ionising radiation which were studied are medical examinations involving x-rays (diagnostic radiology), inhalation of radon and thoron, cosmic irradiation, terrestrial irradiation and intakes of natural radionuclides. This review is based, where possible, on specific data for France. The influence of age on exposure levels is studied when data are available. The total equivalent dose to the red bone marrow is estimated at 2.4 mSv year(-1), 2.7 mSv year(-1) and 5.4 mSv year(-1) respectively for adults (> or =18 years old), children (3-17 years old) and infants (0-1 year old). The high level of exposure for infants is explained by the important contribution of 210Po. The average equivalent dose to the red bone marrow for adults is also compared with the average committed effective dose due to the same exposure sources. The importance of medical exposure and natural exposure due to intake of natural radionuclides emphasises the importance of obtaining more information about these sources of exposure.

International audienceIn France, regulatory analysis of the environment and human health potential consequences is implemented for an isolated industrial activity that requests an authorization to operate using the health risk assessment method. To date, the question is enlarged to the impact of the combination of multiple sources of pollution on the same territory. The main conclusions of the work launched by the French High Council of Public Health focus on four key points: (i) the utility of conducting such an analysis at a territory scale, (ii) the delimitation of the area, (iii) the conditions for the different stakeholders' involvement, and (iv) the methodological specificities of the "zone health risk assessment." The work encompassed literature reviews, seminars, and interviews of stakeholders. The utility of a Z-HRA is the central objective for the management of risk. It can no longer be conducted only for itself. The delimitation of the zone entails economic, political, environmental, and population aspects. Stakeholders become key actors in a steering and monitoring committee. Among methodological specificities, cumulative exposure comes first. Interpretation of the results should focus on risk management objectives. Finally, inclusion of Z-HRAs in flexible regulations that can be adapted to the local context is recommended

Abstract. Over the last 20 years, the French public services' actions in the field of polluted areas have continuously evolved from the inventory of potentially polluted areas to the statement of a general framework on the management. Initially designed for chemical pollutants, main guidelines have been implemented for radioactive substances. The general framework is presented hereafter and illustrated with a real example. CONTEXTIn the 90's, French administration developed a series of tools to set up an inventory of potentially polluted sites and to identify places requiring an immediate action. By early 2000s, such tools, initially designed for chemical pollution, were adapted to radioactive pollutants [1].Based on feedback gained over a decade, the revision of available tools was undertaken by the French Ministry of Ecology in 2006 to state a general framework on the management of polluted areas. Guidelines were published in a ministerial order in 2007, attesting public services' concerns and needs evolution from the establishment of the inventory of polluted sites and the selection of those requiring immediate actions to the definition of a methodology for their management [2].Considering radioactive pollution, France deals with sites inherited from nuclear research and development activities and the industry of radium or other radionuclides like tritium. For instance many working places associated with the storied history of Pierre and Marie Curie are still polluted by 226 Ra and progenies. Sites where former NORM and TENORM facilities were operated may also be considered as polluted area especially when residues were left over. The management of these areas has to be consistent with the general framework published by the ministry of Ecology in 2007.The French Institute for Radiological protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) was committed by the French Ministry of Ecology and the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) to establish guidelines on the management of areas polluted by radioactive substances. Requirements were: i) to fit with the published rules highlighting specifics of radioactive pollutants; ii) to take benefit from former radioactive polluted areas management; iii) to precisely define remediation objectives and iv) to develop stakeholders involvement issues.