RADIOACTIVITY FROM NATURAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND OTHER SOURCES

Natural radioactivity and the use of x-rays and radioactive substances in the practice of medicine are the main sources of radiation exposur e to the general public. The protection standards used in all countrie s are based on the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. These standards are being observed by the nuc lear industry and have succeeded in protecting both nuclear workers an d members of the general public. The dose received from nuclear power generation is a tiny fraction compared to the doses received from natu re and medical practice. However, a great gap exists between the risks of low-level radiation exposure as perceived by the public and the ri sk that actually exists. This is true not only concerning nuclear powe r generation, but also with respect to the need to dispose of both hig h-level and low-level wastes. In addition, the dangers of plutonium ha ve become distorted in the public mind. Fifty years of research into t he biological effects of plutonium have been reassuring and an excelle nt safety record has been achieved in the industrial production of thi s material.