Protection today and tomorrow - the Euratom Directive

The Euratom Directives which lay down basic measures for the radiation of persons undergoing medical examination or treatment and workers in radiation were adopted by the Council for the European Communities in September 1984. The Directives are binding on all member states of the Community but legislation is still required in each individual country in order to implement them. Following a brief history of the development of radiation protection from X-rays, current and proposed legislation in the UK in response to the Euratom Directive are discussed. Ways in which ten other countries have responded to the Euratom Directive are also briefly outlined. (UK)