Preparedness for handling radiation accidents in the Czech Republic

Emergency planning in the Czech Republic is based on international recommendations by the ICRP and IAEA. An emergency system is being created at the national level for the case of a major accident (including a radiation accident). Although the protective measures concern a large group of people, immediate health impacts are expected to be rare. The protective measures include: sheltering (intervention level 5 to 50 mSv), evacuation (intervention level 50 to 500 mSv), administration of iodine, control of food and water, access control, personal protection, decontamination, control of agricultural produce, and medical care. The responsibilities of the various bodies involved are defined and their cooperation in the event of an accident is described. Another system is aimed at coping with radiation accidents at sites where ionizing radiation sources are being handled. Such accidents would involve small numbers or groups of individuals but the doses received might be high. Within the 1954-1993 period, 65 events of this kind occurred and 183 persons were subjected to medical treatment. The dosimetric control and medical aid system needed in such situations has been developed and tested. (M.D.) 4 tabs., 2 figs., 10 refs