الوصف: |
The ICRP radiation protection is exceptional in its comprehensiveness and is internationally recognized; it ought to be preserved and tinkering with its basis should be avoided. Nonetheless, it needs to be refreshed to reflect inter alia novel scientific consensus on the epistemology of radiation effects and fresh societal demands on protection. Such updating would also allow echoing the many lessons on the application of ICRP recommendations, which were learned and reported in recent years. The paper presents an analysis of professional and societal expectations on the future ICRP recommendations, including the following: The ethical foundations of the paradigm are scrutinized, as recent ICRP recommendations reflect the values on the paradigm but not necessarily its ethical basis; the need for incorporating the ethics of ar��te and the consequent principle about future and habitat are developed, reflecting changes incorporated in the radiation safety fundamentals established by international intergovernmental organizations. The implications for the paradigm of the recent UNSCEAR estimates on attribution of radiation health effects vis-��-vis inference of radiation risk are analysed. The repercussions of the recent changes on quantities are examined and the needs of further changes are studied; the differentiation between the paradigm uses of intensive versus extensive quantities will be described. The usually misunderstood LNT ���model��� will be dissected, describing its need for practical radiation protection, particularly in the occupational exposure domain. The conundrum presented by various circumstances of protection against natural radiation exposure situations versus the traditional approaches of protection in ���practices��� will be presented and potential solutions will be discussed. The current concept of ���dose limit��� and its contradictory connotations will be discussed and potential clarifications will be suggested. The concept of ���existing��� exposure situation will be argued vis-��-vis the concept of ���extant��� exposure situation. The practical application of the paradigm in emergency exposure situations will be revisited. The need for specific recommendations on the application of ICRP recommendations on the scope of radiological protection will be considered. Legally binding obligations undertaken on occupational safety will be refreshed and their implications for the paradigm discussed. The issue of protection of patients will be revisited taking into account new developments in radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy. New demands for social licensing of human endeavours involving radiation exposure will be explored. It is expected that the paper will be helpful for the ICRP in developing its future recommendations. License: Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial No Derivatives 2.5 Generic Grants: I would like to leave it blank. |