Biospheric approach as a compromise between hygienic and ecological approaches to radiological protection of the environment

In the paper it demonstrates that for more precise and comprehensive interpretation under the framework of biospheric concept, the anthropocentric paradigm, being now the one of the basic principles in radiation protection, should be reformulated and amended (an immediate switch to ecological concept involves significant changes and calls for solution of very complicated scientific problems). It is suggested that application of the biospheric approach within the bounds of the modified hygienic principle allows resolving the majority of contradictions between anthropocentric and ecological approaches. This may represent a more perspective course of the radiation protection system development compared to a simple change of fundamental paradigms. At present, the radiological protection of the environment is based upon ICRP Publication 60 provision which can be briefly summarized as follows: “Protected is man – protected are the biota” (hygienic or anthropocentric approach). Now there are both opinions for and against it. Table 1. Arguments for and against the hygienic principle of radiological protection. For: Against: 1. Human is the most radiosensitive element of 1. There exist situations when human is absent biosphere. while man-caused radiation pollution influences biota. 2. Values of human permissible exposure are 2. Human can protect himself from exposure. considerably lower than those which cause detectable negative human health effects. 3. Protection of human health is of top priority as 3. Implicit form of biota radiation protection a part of human activity. ensuring. Though this approach is not de jure fixed in the national radiation safety legislation (in federal laws or subordinate regulatory acts), it is de facto the basis of all practice that is carried out in this sphere. The modern Russian environmental protection legislation calls for ensuring radiation protection of the living organisms. This goes in line with the new international initiatives on development of principles and criteria for radiological protection of the biota (ecological approach). The main difficulties of changing the radiation protection paradigm if the necessity of practical application of ecological principle of radiation protection will be theoretically and practically proved: • Specification of exposure relative biological effectiveness and introduction the equivalent and effective doses for biota components. • Referent plants and animals decision. • Final plants and animals exposure effects which can be used as integral criteria of biota radiation protection. • «Dose-response » relationship for referent plants and animals. Article published by EDP Sciences and available at http://www.radioprotection.org or http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/radiopro/20095120