Protection of the environment from ionising radiation in a regulatory context (protect): proposed numerical benchmark values.
Criteria are needed to be able to judge the level of risk associated with dose rates estimated for non-human biota. In this paper, European guidance on the derivation of predicted no-effect chemical concentrations has been applied to appropriate radiation sensitivity data. A species sensitivity distribution fitted to the data for all species resulted in a generic predicted no-effect dose rate of 10 microGy h(-1).Currently, data are inadequate to derive screening values for separate organism groups. A second, higher, benchmark could aid in decision making by putting results into context on the scale of no effect to a risk of 'serious' effect. The need for, meaning and use of such a value needs to be debated by the wider community. This paper explores potential approaches of deriving scientific input to this debate. The concepts proposed in this paper are broadly consistent with the framework for human protection.
Andersson
Pål
P
Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, 171 16 Stockholm, Sweden. pal.andersson@ssm.se
Garnier-Laplace
Jacqueline
J
Beresford
Nicholas A
NA
Copplestone
David
D
Howard
Brenda J
BJ
Howe
Paul
P
Oughton
Deborah
D
Whitehouse
Paul
P
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D003445:Crustacea / Q000528:radiation effects; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004463:Ecology; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards*; D005060:Europe; D008322:Mammals; D008974:Mollusca / Q000528:radiation effects; D010944:Plants / Q000528:radiation effects; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards*; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D018570:Risk Assessment