Annals of the ICRP最新文献

As radiation therapy is needed by approximately 50% of patients with cancer there needs to be ongoing research to ensure that radiation therapy targets the tumour effectively and minimises potential side effects. Major advances in radiation therapy, due to improvements in engineering and computing, have made it more precise, reducing side effects and improving cancer control. Patients need to be informed of its risks, both short and long term, to enable them to be active participants in their cancer treatment path.

Fundamental estimates of radon-associated health risk have been provided by epidemiological studies of miners. In total, approximately 15 studies have been conducted worldwide since the 1960s. These results have contributed directly to radiological protection against radon. The present article summarises the main results, with a focus on analyses of miners exposed more recently, estimates of radon lifetime attributable risk, and interaction between radon and smoking. The potential for the upcoming Pooled Uranium Miner Analysis project to further improve our knowledge is discussed.

Japanese astronauts started staying at the International Space Station (ISS) in 2009, with each stay lasting for approximately 6 months. In total, seven Japanese astronauts have stayed at the ISS eight times. As there is no law for protection against space radiation exposure of astronauts in Japan, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) created its own rules and has applied them successfully to radiation exposure management for Japanese ISS astronauts, collaborating with ISS international partners. Regarding dose management, JAXA has implemented several dose limits to protect against both the stochastic effects of radiation and dose-dependent tissue reactions. The scope of the rules includes limiting exposure during spaceflight, exposure during several types of training, and exposure from astronaut-specific medical examinations. We, therefore, are tasked with calculating the dose from all exposure types applied to the dose limits annually for each astronaut. Whenever a Japanese astronaut is at the ISS, we monitor readings of an instrument in real-time to confirm that the exposed dose is below the set limits, as the space radiation environment can fluctuate in relation to solar activity.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) publishes guidance on protection from radon in homes and workplaces, and dose coefficients for use in assessments of exposure for protection purposes. ICRP Publication 126 recommends an upper reference level for exposures in homes and workplaces of 300 Bq m^-3. In general, protection can be optimised using measurements of air concentrations directly, without considering radiation doses. However, dose estimates are required for workers when radon is considered as an occupational exposure (e.g. in mines), and for higher exposures in other workplaces (e.g. offices) when the reference level is exceeded persistently. ICRP Publication 137 recommends a dose coefficient of 3 mSv per mJ h m^-3 (approximately 10 mSv per working level month) for most circumstances of exposure in workplaces, equivalent to 6.7 nSv per Bq h m^-3 using an equilibrium factor of 0.4. Using this dose coefficient, annual exposure of workers to 300 Bq m^-3 corresponds to 4 mSv. For comparison, using the same coefficient for exposures in homes, 300 Bq m^-3 corresponds to 14 mSv. If circumstances of occupational exposure warrant more detailed consideration and reliable alternative data are available, site-specific doses can be assessed using methodology provided in ICRP Publication 137.

At the request of the Main Commission of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), Task Group 107 (TG107) was set up to consider the issue of radiological protection of the patient in veterinary medicine. TG107, who authored this article, brought together information relating to the use of diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology in veterinary medicine. A number of specific areas were identified that appeared to be appropriate for attention by ICRP. These included the use of dose quantities and units, the need for re-evaluation of stochastic and deterministic risks from ionising radiation in animals, and the growing use of imaging and therapeutic equipment for animals that is little different from that available to humans. TG107 unanimously recommended that it was both appropriate and timely for ICRP to consider and advise on these issues, and the Main Commission agreed. This paper summarises the findings of TG107.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection's (ICRP) system to protect the living components of the environment is designed to provide a broad and practical framework across different exposure situations. The framework recognises the need to be able to demonstrate an adequate level of protection in relation to planned exposure situations, whilst also providing an ability to manage existing and emergency situations in an appropriate way. In all three exposure situations, the release of radionuclides into the natural environment leads to exposures of non-human biota (wildlife), as well as having the potential for exposures of the public. How the key principles of the ICRP system of radiological protection apply in each of these exposure situations will be discussed. Using examples, we will demonstrate how the overall approach provides a mechanism for industry to assess and demonstrate compliance with the environmental protection objectives of relevant (national) legislation, and to meet stakeholder expectations that radiological protection of the environment is taken into consideration in accordance with international best practice. However, several challenges remain, and these will be discussed in the context of the need for additional guidance on the protection of the environment.

In Australia, worker exposure to radon in underground uranium mines has been a focus of policy makers and regulators, and has been well controlled in the industry sector. That cannot be said for public exposure to radon. Radon exposure studies in the late 1980s and early 1990s demonstrated that the levels of radon in Australian homes were some of the lowest in the world. The International Basic Safety Standards, published by the International Atomic Energy Agency, requires the government to establish and implement an action plan for controlling public exposure due to radon indoors. When considering different policy options, it is important to develop radon prevention and mitigation programmes reflecting elements that are unique to the region or country. The Australian Radon Action Plan is being considered at a national level, and presents a long-range strategy designed to reduce radon-induced lung cancer in Australia, as well as the individual risk for people living with high concentrations of radon. In Australia, workers who are not currently designated as occupationally exposed are also considered as members of the public. In the Australian context, there are only a limited set of scenarios that might give rise to sufficiently high radon concentrations that warrant mitigation. These include highly energy efficient buildings in areas of high radon potential, underground workplaces, workplaces with elevated radon concentrations (e.g. spas using natural spring waters), and enclosed workspaces with limited ventilation. The key elements for a successful plan will rely on collaboration between government sectors and other health promotion programmes, cooperative efforts involving technical and communication experts, and partnering with building professionals and other stakeholders involved in the implementation of radon prevention and mitigation.