C.
‘lational Council on “Vadiation Protection and “{easurements* (NCNP)
The IC. position is tuat the rational use of rautlation shoull conforn
to levels of safety to users and the public which are at least as
gtrincrent as those achieved for other powerful asents.
Continuing and
chronic exposure attributable to peaceful uses of ionizing radiation
are assumel,
Jos
eT.
epee gees
{ cea
Tid SIRT Tans
has ado,te.t
cha assumption
of no-thras
iit luse-arfects
£e
rt
yoy
relationship and uses the term "dose linits"” in providing guidance on
population exposures.
practicable,
All radiation exposures are to be kept as low as
The numerical values of exposure as presented are to be
interpreted as recommendations, not regulations.
Use of the no-threshold
concept involves t!.2 thesis that thera ts ne exposure linit free fron
some degree of risk.
To establish criteria, ‘ICRP uses the concept of "acceptable risk" (where
the risk is compensated by a demonstrable benefit) broken dowm to fit
classes of individuals or population groups exposed for various purposes
to different quantities of radiation.
‘lumerical recommendations for dose
limits are necessarily arbitrary because of their mixed technical valuejudgment foundation.
The dose limits for individual members of the public
and for the average population recommended by NCRP represent a level of
risk considered to be so small compared with other hazards of life, and
*Tormerly ‘“nown as the National Committee on Radiation Protection and ‘feasurenents.