Evaluation, prediction and regulation of population exposure doses in connection with nuclear power plant operation in the USSR

The paper describes the regulations governing gaseous and aerosol releases from standard-type nuclear power plants operating in the USSR. On the basis of a new model and taking account of nuclear power development in the USSR, a forecast is made of the individual and population doses from gaseous and aerosol releases at power plants in 1980. In view of the ever-increasing number of ionizing radiation sources used in human activities, the authors raise for discussion the question of apportionment of the permissible dose to the population from different ionizing radiation sources. In particular, a ''quota'' of 10% of the total permissible dose is apportioned to nuclear power plants, including 4% during normal operation and 6% under emergency conditions. It is shown that these requirements are not in conflict with either actual or calculated data. The paper also discusses the advisability of dividing radionuclides into three groups associated with global, regional and local scales of environmental pollution. (author)