Uncertainties in Fatal Cancer Risk Estimates Used in Radiation Protection

It is generally well known that the point estimates of the excess lifetime risk of fatal cancer following low dose/low dose rate exposure to ionising radiation are per Sv for a general population of all ages, and per Sv for adult workers. It is upon these two risk coefficients that radiation protection is principally founded. Until recently, less attention has been paid to the uncertainties associated with these risk estimates, although it is of some importance to have an appreciation of the degree of accuracy associated with them. In the US, the NCRP has recently addressed this issue through a Scientific Committee chaired by Warren Sinclair, with André Bouville and Charles Land as members. The result of their deliberations is to be found in NCRP Report No 126, which was published in October 1997.