Source related detriment and the commitment concept: applying the principles of radiation protection to non-radioactive pollutants

Current principles for limitation of releases of radioactive contaminants into the environment involve concepts and methods which are not common in the control of non-radioactive pollutants. The article gives a review of these concepts and methods with special attention to the commitment concept and source-related rather than individual-related assessments. The concept of dose commitment per unit practice is of value in the three basic assessments of source justification, optimization of protection and limitation of present and future doses to individuals. In principle, the same methods and concepts should be useful also in the assessment of non-radioactive pollutants in cases where the main risk is that of cancer or hereditary effects. (Auth.)