Unaccountable limits

The validity of the way in which radiation dose limits are set is questioned. In spite of the fact that radiation is now considered to be 4 to 5 times more dangerous than previously realised, the ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection), in setting new dose safety standards, have not lowered the dose limits in line with this. The National Radiological Protection Board have criticised the ICRP's new limits but now seem unwilling to follow this up, preferring to wait to establish a definite attitude towards the ICRP recommendations. The limits were prepared with advice from Euratom but as Euratom has both to promote nuclear power and draw up safety regulations, its impartiality is considered to be in doubt. (UK)