Policy development in The Netherlands concerning enhanced exposure to natural radiation

Exposure to enhanced natural radiation is treated in terms of the so called "environmental policy life cycle model". The integral policy development is described taking into account environmental, economic and social factors. In the present phase, the policy development is focussed on enhanced levels of radioactivity in building materials. In the following phases, attention will be given to the infiltration of radon from the underground, and to possible enhanced natural radiation due to industrial chemical processes. In each phase the decision process concerning regulations is preceded by a corresponding research programme which forms the necessary scientific basis for the specific regulatory choices. A status report closes the contribution.