total annual exposure for comparison with FRC guides. However, for many practical situations a relatively few radionuclides yield the major contribution to total exposure; by comparison ,exposures from others are very small. PAG: The term "Protective Action Guide" has been defined as the projected absorbed dose to individuals in the general population which warrants protective action following a contaminating event. these In setting numerical guides the FRC was concerned with a balance between the risk of radiation exposure and the impact on public well-being associated with alterationsof the normal" Proguc tions Processing, leet “faus Grol desfae. ua:cyte : + torte, te. ay SoTd ye hee, Bee he - distribution and use of food. A protective action is described as an action or measure taken weeurel 2's S%vte-avoid:most: of the exposure to radiation that wouldoccur from’ future” °° * ingestion of foods contaminated with radioactive materials, we eet gS te Een : te Onpe alees, ae ate woe teeee Te Ry te tte LOG : nes. re>. epee a : we An action oe Mg Fee tye EL Begs tty peated: eet et ne an ne oe A Pgh 2s fay, why “yidaeF. ~ hooDe te ge af 4% . . is appropriate when the“health benefits associated with. ‘the “yéduction. in exposure to be achieved are sufficient to offset undesirable “ features:‘of the protective action. | ; Anlevent “‘réqiiring protective “" " action should not be expected to occur frequently. The numerical guides are related to three types of actions, (1) altering production, processing, or distribution practices, (2) diverting affected products to other than human consumption, and affected foods. (3) condemning An additional category involves long-term, low level exposure for which numerical guides are not provided; the need for action is determined on a case-by-case basis. The FRC identifies the critical segment of the population for which dose projections are to be made for comparison with the guides. For