Population protection in accident with radioactive material escape

A brief characteristic is presented of non-stochastic and stochastic effects of ionizing radiation on man. The aim of radiation protection is to completely exclude non-stochastic effects and to limit the stochastic effects to a level acceptable for individuals and society. In case of a nuclear power plant accident the population is endangered by radionuclide radiation from a radioactive cloud and deposits on the earth. 131I plays a highly significant role among the fission products. Tabulated are various measures recommended by the IAEA for reducing the radiation hazards for the population; the most important are described. Their application in case of an actual accident must proceed from the principle that the health contribution of the ''saved dose'' must be higher than the social and health hazards of the countermeasure. (Ha)