Radiation Protection and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP)

ICRP was founded in 1928, and within a few years it issued quantitative recommendations for the limitation of dose received by radiation workers. These served as the basis for radiation protection until 1950. During subsequent years the Commission has emphasised that unnecessary exposure should be avoided, and that all doses should be kept as low as possible (1950): practicable (1958): readily achievable (1965): reasonably achievable (1973). ICRP today sees its role as that of considering the fundamental principles upon which radiation protection measures can be based, while leaving the detailed application to national authorities. To help it perform its work, ICRP has invited a hundred or so individual experts to participate in its committee and task group activities. In addition, the Commission maintains close working relationships with a number of international and regional organisations that are concerned with radiation protection.