A review of the justification for exemption orders, and for other low-level radioactive waste disposal practices

The historical background and philosophy underlying the Radioactive Substances Act (RSA) and the system of Authorisation and Exemption is examined and the radiological protection criteria contemporary with the introduction of the RSA and those now current are reviewed. The potential radiological impact (maximum individual doses and collective doses to disposal workers and to members of the public) from ''dustbin limit'' disposals, special precautions burial, disposal of demolition wastes, incineration of H-3 and C-14 and from disposals under each of the current Exemption Orders with waste disposal implications are calculated. (author)