Radiation protection and the control of environmental pollutants

The very extensive radiobiological and epidemiological investigations into the effects of ionizing radiation have given a basis for estimating the hazard that is likely to be involved in different levels of human exposure. It is, therefore, possible to indicate the maximum exposures that appear justifiable, as ensuring adequate safety in various circumstances in which some exposure is unavoidable. In principle, similar quantitative criteria are required for a variety of pollutants, to indicate the urgency for controlling the release of each into the general or working environment, and the level below which each must be kept to ensure adequate safety. The more we can develop and utilize any available quantitative estimates of the toxicity of different pollutants, the more effectively can priorities and procedures be established for dealing appropriately with such materials, under any conditions in which some pollution is unavoidable.