Radiological criteria for the disposal of solid radioactive wastes

Radioactive waste disposal is only one cause of exposure to ionizing radiation. Criteria for control should fit into the world-wide system for protection against radiation hazards, developed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection over the past 50 years. The system is simple and logically inevitable for any non-threshold pollutant. It consists of limits to protect individuals against unacceptable risks and a requirement to reduce the overall impact of the source causing the radiation to a level that is 'as low as reasonably achievable'. Particular aspects examined in this paper include the long timescales of concern and the role of comparisons with natural levels of radiation. The output of radiological assessment is an input to broader decisions on waste management, accommodating environmental pressures within political judgements. It is necessary to pursue the scientific analysis of waste disposal so that the results can be used as a firm foundation to confront, openly and honestly, the concerns of the public and of the politicians. (author)