Radiation Paradigm for Risk Management of Stochastic Responses

1 Radiation Paradigm for Risk Management of Stochastic Responses 

The radiation paradigm for management of stochastic risks is based on the fundamental principles of radiation protection developed over many decades by ICRP and NCRP. As stated by NCRP (1993a), these principles include the following  

a limit on radiation dose to individuals from exposure to all controlled sources combined, corresponding to a maximum allowable risk for any routine exposure situation and 

a requirement to reduce exposures to controlled sources as far below the limit as reasonably achievable (ALARA). 

The proper interpretation of the dose limit is that higher doses (and their associated risks) from controlled sources are regarded as unacceptable, meaning intolerable. Thus, the dose limit normally must be met in routine exposures to controlled sources regardless of cost or other circumstances. Application of the ALARA principle to further control of exposures takes into account, for example, the cost of reducing radiation doses in relation to the benefits in health risks averted and other societal concerns. 

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