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30 July 2010

Answer to Question #6781 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Policy, Guidelines, and Regulations — Guidance Documents

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Why does ICRP 26 not recommend a dose equivalent for the public population?

The recommendations on effective dose equivalent of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) made in 1977 (ICRP 26) actually contained two values for members of the public. One was the limit of 5 mSv (500 mrem), but only for certain conditions. For other circumstances the ICRP recommended that it would be prudent to limit exposures on the basis of a lifetime average annual dose of 1 mSv (100 mrem). The "Statement from the 1985 Paris meeting of the ICRP" (ICRP 45) changed the recommendation to a principal limit of 1 mSv (100 mrem). The regulations of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and of the Department of Energy both reflect this recommendation for a limit of 1 mSv (100 mrem).

Donald A. Cool, PhD
Cynthia Jones, PhD

Answer posted on 9 November 2007. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.