The Systems of Radiological Protection for Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

Category: Radiological Protection, Public Health Policy Tags: ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation, radiological protection, ICNIRP, ICRP, NCRP, WHO DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000002109 URL: journals.lww.com Overview This paper summarizes the presentations and panel discussion held at Plenary Session 1 of the 16th IRPA International Congress/69th Health Physics Society Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL, in July 2024. The session focused on the fundamentals of radiological protection (RP) systems for both ionizing radiation (IR) and non-ionizing radiation (NIR), featuring presentations from experts representing several leading international organizations. Findings - ICNIRP: Rodney Croft introduced the system of RP for NIR, detailing ICNIRP’s current work and areas of coverage. - ICRP: Werner R�hm outlined the key principles of IR protection—justification, optimization, and dose limitation—along with ICRP’s ongoing efforts to revise and update the RP system. - IRPA: Sigur�ur Magn�s Magn�sson provided the perspective of RP professionals on system development for IR and NIR. - WHO: Emilie van Deventer described WHO’s contributions and current activities regarding both IR and NIR. - NCRP: Kathryn Higley outlined NCRP’s history, its distinction from ICRP, and the council’s critical role in investigating NIR’s interaction with biological systems, including human health impacts. The session concluded with a robust Q&A, addressing multidisciplinary perspectives on RP systems. Outcome and Emerging Issues - Improved understanding of RP systems for IR and NIR. - A clear outline of the current international and organizational landscape. - No international framework exists for NIR radiation protection comparable to that for IR, despite the increasing proliferation of NIR technologies. - The rapid deployment of new NIR technologies presents diverse exposure scenarios, complicating consistent global or even national regulation, and raising unresolved concerns about chronic and acute exposure—especially as mechanisms of NIR-human interaction are actively analyzed. - While the system for IR is mature and under ongoing revision, the system for NIR requires further development and strengthening, including expanded consideration of potential health risks. Conclusion There is an urgent need for the international community to develop a more cohesive and protective framework for NIR radiation, considering the links between electromagnetic field exposure and health risks, and addressing evolving technological and regulatory landscapes. Stakeholders are encouraged to prioritize addressing these emerging issues for both public and occupational safety.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

This paper summarizes presentations and a panel discussion on radiological protection systems for ionizing and non-ionizing radiation from multiple organizations (ICNIRP, ICRP, IRPA, WHO, NCRP). It states that no international framework for non-ionizing radiation protection comparable to that for ionizing radiation exists, and argues that rapid deployment of new non-ionizing technologies creates diverse exposure scenarios and unresolved concerns about chronic and acute exposure, motivating a call for a more cohesive and protective international framework.

Outcomes measured

• radiological protection frameworks and principles (ionizing and non-ionizing radiation)
• regulatory/organizational landscape for non-ionizing radiation protection
• consideration of potential health risks from electromagnetic field exposure (general)

Limitations

• Conference session summary rather than original empirical study
• No specific exposure metrics (frequency, SAR, duration) reported
• No specific health endpoints or quantitative results reported

Suggested hubs

• who-icnirp (0.9)
  Discusses ICNIRP and WHO roles/activities in non-ionizing radiation protection and broader radiological protection systems.

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