Methods of evaluating the monetary value of the man-sievert

In estimating the effectiveness of radiation protection systems in the context of the ALARA principle, one must be able to relate the cost of using each system (protection cost) to the collective dose which can thus be avoided. This comparison is easier if a monetary value can be placed on the man-sievert. The value of the man-sievert can be estimated on the basis of the different detriments attributable to this unit exposure: fatal and non-fatal somatic effects, genetic effects and 'psychosocial' effects. In its Publication 37, the International Commission on Radiological Protection has proposed that the cost of the radiological detriment Y should be split into two parts. The first part, Y=αS, corresponds to somatic and genetic effects, and the second part, Y2=βΣNjf(Hj), to effects relating to psychosocial considerations. This breakdown requires the definition of two components of the cost of the man-sievert: α, which relates to somatic and genetic detriment; and β, which relates to psychosocial effects. Various methods could be used for evaluating α and β. Here, we analyse the following: (a) a priori evaluation based on the cost of human life or the cost of recovery (for non-fatal effects); (b) a priori evaluation based on the decrease in life expectancy; (c) evaluation based on what an individual would agree to spend to reduce the risk associated with one man-sievert; and (d) evaluation based on the expenditure actually incurred in the past to reduce the risk associated with one man-sievert. (author)