A world view on radiation protection - part 1 - the organization of radiation protection at the world level

Radiation protection is a global issue for health, the safety of people and property and for the environment that goes beyond frontiers. The United Nation Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) was founded in 1955, its role is to assess and report the levels and the effects to the exposure to ionizing radiations. Governments and organization from around the world rely on UNSCEAR's studies to assess radiation risks and implement adequate radiation protection measures. The main role of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) is to ensure the protection of workers and the general public against radiation hazards. Almost all the international standards, the European directives and the national regulations are based on ICRP's recommendations. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) whose aim is to promote a pacific use of nuclear energy, publishes radiation protection standards in the field of nuclear energy, radioactive waste management and radiation sources. The standards issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) concerning radiation protection includes standards for metrology, dosimetry, surveillance and for the design and use of equipment. (A.C.)