The ICRP dose limitation system - solution or problem

The dose limitation system of the ICRP is examined in relation to internal emitters. It is noted that the risk for many radionuclides is not equivalent to that of an external, whole-body dose equivalent of 5 rem/yr because of the imposition of the non-stochastic limit. For other radionuclides the risk is limited by the choice of weighting factors. Problems and uncertainties in the use of the system are discussed and the conclusion is reached that it should not be adopted in the U.S. (author)