RADIATION EXPOSURE OF THE WHOLE POPULATION
The present levels of radiation exposure of the Canadian population are evaluated and are discussed in terms of the max permissible doses reconimended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). For occupational exposure the max permissible annual genetically significant dose is 33 mrem. This dose would be reached if 0.7% of the whole population accumulated the max permissible occupational gonad dose of 60 rems by age 30. At the present, it is estimated that in Canada about 30,000 persons (or about 0.2% of the total population) are occupationally exposed to radiation. A considerable fraction are over the reproductive age, and the great majority of occupationally exposed persons receive much less than the max permissible individual dose. In 1959 the upper limit for the occupational dose was estimated to be less than 0.5 mrem, or about 1/60 of the ICRP apportionment. It would therefore seem that there would have to be a considerable increase both in the number of radiation workers, and also in their exposures, before the genetic dose from this source could reach 1.0 rem. For special groups the max permissible annual genetically significant dose is 17 mrem. People living near atomic energy plants are the main contributors to this exposure; the max permissible individual dose for this group is 0.5 rem/yr, and if every individual received this dose, this group should not exceed 3% of the population. The 3rd category, the population at large, is exposed to radiations from atomic energy establishments, radioisotopes and x-rays in industry, medicine and research, and to a large assortment of miscellaneous sources. For all these sources of radiation the max permissible annual genetically significant dose is 67 mrem; this is made up of 50 mrem from internal exposure, and 17 mrem from external exposure. Exposures from fallout were not considered by the ICRP. If they are to be taken into account they should probably be included in the category of exposure of the population at large, which would further use up the allotment of 17 mrem. This analysis was concerned only with genetic dose. It was concluded that there is a possibility that a considerable portion of the allotment for external exposures of the population may soon be used up. This raises the question of whether this particular allotment should be increased, and if so by how much, and which allotment should be correspondingly reduced. (BBB)
- Research Organization:
- Dept. of National Health and Welfare, Ottawa
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-036068
- OSTI ID:
- 4653306
- Journal Information:
- Med. Serv. J. Can., Vol. Vol: 18; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-63
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Summary of radiological impacts of Par Pond drawdown
Summary of radiological impacts of Par Pond drawdown