Chapter
Codes and Regulations in the Control of Radiation Hazards
Role of National Committee on Radiation Protection
lL.
Organized in 1929 on the recommendation of the International
Committee on Radiological Protection
The NCRP is not a federal agency
Recognized source of basic standards for radiation protection
within the U.S.
NCRP's area of interest includes machine, and natural and artificial radiation
Prepared first recommendations on X-ray protection
One function is to recommend permissible radiation exposure
levels
Factors influencing development of radiation codes
i.
The assumption by some that any amount of radiation is harmful,
no matter how small, has led to the "philosophy of risk”
Successive lowering of maximum permissible limits represents
improvements between goal-zero and technical capability
Maximum permissible limits regarded as maximum levels - and
not as normal operating levels
Need emphasized for working as far below maximum levels as
circumstances permit
Latest recommendations show increased concern over possible
genetic effects of radiation