Uncertainties in Doses and Risks from Internal Radiation

Abstract

Many uncertainties exist in current estimates of radiation doses and risks: larger uncertainties exist with internal radiation. These arise mainly from the many steps used to derive doses, and partly from lack of statistical precision in deriving risks from epidemiology studies. The size of these uncertainties has been estimated by a number of expert dosimetrists: for some nuclides these are very large. The recent report by the CERRIE committee recommended that uncertainties should be acknowledged and dealt with by the government. Its parent committee, COMARE, backed these findings. A number of practical recommendations are suggested for government action in the light of the CERRIE report.

Keywords:

• CERRIE 
• COMARE 
• Plutonium 
• Radiation doses 
• Radiation risks 
• Radionuclides 
• Tritium 
• Uncertainties

Notes

Ian Fairlie is an independent consultant on radioactivity in the environment. He has degrees in chemistry and radiation biology, and his doctoral studies at Imperial College examined the radiological impacts of reprocessing discharges at Sellafield and Cap de la Hague. He has worked for various UK government departments and regulatory agencies, and advises environmental NGOs, the European Parliament, and local authorities. Between 2001 and 2004 he acted as the secretariat of the CERRIE committee, which ended following the publication of its report in October 2004.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ian Fairlie

Ian Fairlie is an independent consultant on radioactivity in the environment. He has degrees in chemistry and radiation biology, and his doctoral studies at Imperial College examined the radiological impacts of reprocessing discharges at Sellafield and Cap de la Hague. He has worked for various UK government departments and regulatory agencies, and advises environmental NGOs, the European Parliament, and local authorities. Between 2001 and 2004 he acted as the secretariat of the CERRIE committee, which ended following the publication of its report in October 2004.