Setting the Right Limits Controlling Discharges of Radionuclides to the Environment

IAEA BULLETIN, 42/3/2000 Releases of radionuclides to the atmosphere or to surface waters from nuclear and other facilities using radioactive materials are generally strictly controlled to protect the health of people living in the local and regional environments. Since the 1970s, the IAEA has issued guidance on the control of discharges and, in doing so, it has elaborated upon the basic recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Recently, the IAEA’s guidance on discharge control has been reviewed and updated, and the Agency’s programme on radioactive discharges as a whole has been expanded to respond to requests from States for information on the sources and amounts of materials entering the environment. This article summarizes the recent Agency advice in this subject area and describes developments in its programmes.