Risk management paradigms, stochastic

Radiation Paradigm for Risk Management of Stochastic Responses... 

The different approaches to management of stochastic risks for radionuclides and hazardous chemicals are referred to in this Report as the radiation and chemical paradigms (EPA, 1992a). The following discussion of the two paradigms for management of stochastic risks is adapted from previous papers (Kocher, 1999 Kocher and Hoffman, 1991). 

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 ... 

As depicted in Figure 3.11, the principles of optimization (ALARA) and dose limitation embodied in the radiation paradigm may be thought of as defining a top-down approach to management of stochastic risks. Given that radiation exposures have been justified, the radiation paradigm has two basic elements ... 

Fig. 3.11. The radiation paradigm for management of stochastic risks (Kocher, 1999).

If the concept of a negligible risk is included, the radiation paradigm for management of stochastic risks ( top-down ) depicted in Figure 3.11 defines three regions of risk ... 

The chemical paradigm for management of stochastic risks is applied to control of exposures to stochastic chemicals under authority of several environmental laws. The chemical paradigm also applies to control of radiation exposures when these exposures are regulated under authority of any laws other than AEA. 

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