Keeping the ICRP recommendations fit for purpose

Abstract

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has embarked on a review and revision of the system of Radiological Protection that will update the 2007 general recommendations in ICRP Publication 103. This is the beginning of a process that will take several years, involving open and transparent engagement with organisations and individuals around the world. While the system is robust and has performed well, it must adapt to address changes in science and society to remain fit for purpose. The aim of this paper is to encourage discussions on which areas of the system might gain the greatest benefit from review, and to initiate collaborative efforts. Increased clarity and consistency are high priorities. The better the system is understood, the more effectively it can be applied, resulting in improved protection and increased harmonisation. Many areas are identified for potential review including: classification of effects, with particular focus on tissue reactions; reformulation of detriment, potentially including non-cancer diseases; re-evaluation of the relationship between detriment and effective dose, and the possibility of defining detriments for males and females of different ages; individual variation in the response to radiation exposure; heritable effects; and effects and risks in non-human biota and ecosystems. Some of the basic concepts are also being considered, including the framework for bringing together protection of people and the environment, incremental improvements to the fundamental principles of justification and optimisation, a broader approach to protection of individuals, and clarification of the exposure situations introduced in 2007. In addition, ICRP is considering identifying where explicit incorporation of the ethical basis of the system would be beneficial, how to better reflect the importance of communications and stakeholder involvement, and further advice on education and training. ICRP invites responses on these and other areas relating to the review of the System of Radiological Protection.

Introduction to the Special LDLensRad Focus Issue

“…The apparent inverse dose rate effects for some endpoints are also of particular note. These findings are clearly of relevance to occupational exposures and, taken together with the finding of Pawliczek and colleagues that phenotypic changes to the lens can be both deterministic and stochastic, could imply that further work is needed to ensure the system of radiation protection is fit for purpose (21).…”

Radiological protection revisited—the story continues

“…In announcing that the next cycle of revisiting the System of Radiological Protection has started (Clement et al 2021), ICRP has expressed the wish that this process be inclusive, open, and transparent. Interested organisations and individuals are invited to join this process and contribute their views and opinions.…”

“…Interested organisations and individuals are invited to join this process and contribute their views and opinions. To "encourage discussions on which areas of the System might gain the greatest benefit from review, and to initiate collaborative efforts", ICRP has recently published a memorandum titled "Keeping the ICRP Recommendations Fit for Purpose" (Clement et al 2021). This paper addresses several areas that might benefit from a review, and basic concepts in the System that might need reconsidering.…”

“…The paper of Laurier et al is an important input to the 'Future of Radiological Protection' digital workshop organised by ICRP on 14 October-3 November, along with the 'Keeping the ICRP Recommendations Fit for Purpose' paper mentioned earlier (Clement et al 2021). Both are meant to encourage discussion on ideas to improve the System.…”

“…Since then, there have been significant advances in scientific knowledge on radiation-induced health effects, progress on protection of the environment, experience implementing concepts introduced in Publication 103, and the emergence of new domains of radiological protection. As a result, ICRP has initiated a review of the System with the intent to develop a successor to the 2007 General Recommendations (Clement et al 2021).…”