The Contribution of Radiological Protection to Sustainable Development

Since its foundation in 1928, the International Commission of Radiological Protection (ICRP) has been continuously developing the System of Radiological Protection. The System is based on science, ethics, and experience. It contributes to an appropriate level of protection for people and the environment against the detrimental effects of radiation exposure without unduly limiting the desirable human actions that may be associated with such exposure. This introductiom informs about ICRP and its worldwide role in providing recommendations and guidance on all aspects of protection against ionising radiation.

Since its discovery in 1895 ionizing radiation has been an indispensable tool for developments in medicine, science, industry and energy production (after WW II). But it is a double-edged sword because its use is associated with potential health risks. Therefore, its applications must be regulated to be safe, but without unduly limiting the benefits associated with its use. Also, existing and emergency exposure situations must be considered in a balanced way. ICRP must keep and develop the system of radiological protection so that it is fit for purpose. How can this process align with the idea of sustainability? The system of radiological protection is implicitly linked to sustainable development but sustainability must be considered and more explicitly addressed in the next ICRP general recommendations.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) make recommendations on how to behave wisely in relation to exposure of people and the environment to ionizing radiation. In 2018, ICRP published a report on the ethical foundations of the system of radiological protection, stating that “Ethics cannot provide conclusive solutions, but can help to facilitate discussions among those seeking to promote the well-being of individuals, the sustainable development of society and the protection of the environment”. This presentation will highlight the main links between ethical values of the system of radiological protection and the sustainable development goals.

Sustainable development depends upon on healthy ecosystems. Environmental radiological protection is an important and explicit part of the radiological protection system which seeks to protect humans and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation. This presentation will briefly outline how the radiological protection system has evolved, and will continue to evolve, to include environmental protection and how this aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Radiation and Environmental Biophysics is a journal dedicated to effects of ionizing radiation, covering radiobiology, health and medical physics, environmental protection and applied radiation research. The editors strongly support the Springe Nature initiative in promoting the UN SDGs.