Decision-Making Framework for Long-term Exposure Situations based on the System of Radiation Protection

Abstract

In the management of long-term exposure situations, the role of stakeholders has moved steadily to the forefront of the decision-making process within the system of radiation protection recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). In this article, the roles of inhabitants living in long-term contaminated areas after a nuclear accident are clarified based on the recommendations of the ICRP. The involvement of inhabitants can provide valuable input regarding habit data for assessments of the exposure doses from radioactive materials. Also, the decision-making process involving inhabitants can establish acceptable living conditions reflecting actual problems currently faced by such people. However, in order to encourage the management of a radiological situation by inhabitants, there are some issues which should be solved from technical and societal perspectives.