2019 年 54 巻 2 号 p. 120-128
The optimization of radiation protection is not just the minimization of radiation exposure but is now viewed more broadly to reflect the increasing role of individual equity, the safety culture, and stakeholder involvement in our modern societies. Since less importance should be given to individual exposures received in the distant future owing to the increasing uncertainties in long-term safety assessment, the optimization principle should be carefully considered for the disposal of long-lived radioactive waste. In this paper, we review the relevant international discussions on the optimization of radiation protection and extract the following key elements: (1) broadening of the optimization process towards judgmental decision-making, (2) the dose level that would be achieved as a consequence of the optimization process, (3) the use of predicted doses beyond a time frame of a few generations, and (4) the need for a dialogue between the authorities and the operating management. We examine the role of dose constraints from an ethical point of view and discuss the importance of reducing the inequity in the dose distribution of individual exposures when selecting a protective option for the design of a radioactive waste disposal facility. Furthermore, we review the concept of exemption from regulatory control, which is totally different from the disposal of radioactive waste in a facility.
