The main inconsequences in the present radiological protection concept for the general population

The present concept of radiation protection emphasizes the protection of man against ionizing radiation from manmade sources. But the overwhelming radiation exposure in a given population results from the natural radiation environment (NRE) and the use of radiation in medicine, while less than 2% of the total dose is due to occupational exposure, fallout, releases from nuclear industries, etc. Nevertheless, ICRP recommendations do not apply to, or include, "normal" NRE exposure, nor do they deal with medical exposure of patients by applying risk/benefit considerations. The increasing problems associated with various types of NRE exposures (recycling of waste materials, energy-efficient dwellings) and the continuously increasing use of ionizing radiation in medical practices (x-ray and nuclear diagnostic examinations) require a revision of the present radiation protection concept. In this paper suggestions are made concerning the applicability of a unified concept for controlling all sources of ionizing radiation.