The radiation protection context

Radioactive waste should be disposed of in a manner that protects both man and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation. Radiation protection is an essential part of the licence application file which has to be submitted to the authorities. The ICRP is the reference for all radiation protection matters. It should be recognised, however, that as regards waste, its role has been very limited. Recent developments in the radiation protection policy are overviewed. Issues and proposals are discussed, including disaggregation of probabilities from consequences, optimization, time periods, implementation of principles. (R.P.)