ICRP AND RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION OF NON-HUMAN SPECIES

INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION ——————————————————————————————————————

ICRP AND ICRP AND

RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION

OF NON-HUMAN SPECIESOF NON-HUMAN SPECIES

Lars-Erik Holm

Vice-Chairman of ICRP


ICRP AND THE ENVIRONMENTICRP AND THE ENVIRONMENT

ICRP has decided to ICRP has decided to develop a framework develop a framework for assessing the for assessing the radiological impact on radiological impact on non-human species. non-human species.



““The Commission The Commission concerns itself with concerns itself with

mankind’s environment only with regard mankind’s environment only with regard

to the transfer of radionuclides through to the transfer of radionuclides through

the environment, since this directly affects the environment, since this directly affects

the radiological protection of man.”the radiological protection of man.”

(ICRP 60, 1991)(ICRP 60, 1991)



““The Commission believes that the The Commission believes that the

standards of environmental control standards of environmental control

needed to protect man to the degree needed to protect man to the degree

currently thought desirable will currently thought desirable will

ensure that other species are not put ensure that other species are not put

at risk.”at risk.”

(ICRP 60, (ICRP 60, 1991)1991)


UNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONSUNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONS

• The environment is protected through the The environment is protected through the protection of mankind. protection of mankind.

• Reproductive capacity is the relevant Reproductive capacity is the relevant endpoint.endpoint.

• The appropriate level of protection is to The appropriate level of protection is to avoid endangering the existence of species, avoid endangering the existence of species, or creating ecological imbalance. or creating ecological imbalance.

• ICRP has NOT explicitly stated that the ICRP has NOT explicitly stated that the environment should be protected.environment should be protected.


ENVIRONMENTAL MILESTONESENVIRONMENTAL MILESTONES

1962 “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson.1962 “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson.

19681968 UN General Assembly decides to convene UN General Assembly decides to convene an international conference to protect an international conference to protect and improve the human environmentand improve the human environment..

19721972 UN Conference on the Human Environment UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm. in Stockholm. UN creates UNEP.UN creates UNEP.



1980 World Conservation Strategy (UNEP, IUCN)1980 World Conservation Strategy (UNEP, IUCN)

19871987 World Commission on Environment and World Commission on Environment and

Development: “Our Common Future”Development: “Our Common Future”

- The Brundtland Report defines the concept - The Brundtland Report defines the concept of of SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT and and emphasizes the need to preserve emphasizes the need to preserve BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITYBIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY..



19921992 UN Conference on Environment and UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro Development in Rio de Janeiro lays down lays down general principles for environmental general principles for environmental protection, e.g.protection, e.g.

- the Rio Declaration- the Rio Declaration - the Convention on Biological Diversity- the Convention on Biological Diversity - the Agenda 21 Programme of Action. - the Agenda 21 Programme of Action.

Biological diversity:Biological diversity: “the variability among “the variability among living organisms within within species, living organisms within within species, between species, and of ecosystems.”between species, and of ecosystems.”



The Rio Declaration:The Rio Declaration: protection of the protection of the environment shall be an integral part of the environment shall be an integral part of the development process and development shall development process and development shall be sustainable. be sustainable.

The Convention on Biological Diversity:The Convention on Biological Diversity: important that all organisms contribute to important that all organisms contribute to the ecosystem. the ecosystem.


PROTECTION OF THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT

Protecting living organisms in terms of Protecting living organisms in terms of ‘nature conservation’: ‘nature conservation’:

• to to conserveconserve particular species or habitats particular species or habitats

• to to maintainmaintain the diversity of habitats, of the diversity of habitats, of species, and of the genetic variability species, and of the genetic variability within species within species

• to to protectprotect habitats and designated areas. habitats and designated areas.



Environmental management includesEnvironmental management includes

• Environmental exploitation (populations)Environmental exploitation (populations)

• Conservation and protection of the Conservation and protection of the natural environment (natural environment (individuals, individuals, populations, habitats, ecosystems)populations, habitats, ecosystems)

• PPollution control ollution control (environmental quality (environmental quality standards)standards)

(Pentreath (Pentreath 2002)2002)



There is no single ethic for protection of the There is no single ethic for protection of the environment. environment.

The basis can be traced back toThe basis can be traced back to• scientific evidencescientific evidence• social and cultural concerns (based on social and cultural concerns (based on

religious or philosophical tenets and beliefs)religious or philosophical tenets and beliefs)• the need to comply with international and the need to comply with international and

national legislation.national legislation.


SPECTRUM OF ETHICSSPECTRUM OF ETHICS

Anthropocentric:Anthropocentric: Humans are the main thing of umans are the main thing of moral standing. The environment is of concern moral standing. The environment is of concern only as it affects humans.only as it affects humans.

Biocentric:Biocentric: Moral standing is extended to individual Moral standing is extended to individual members of other species, and obligations members of other species, and obligations pertaining to such individuals arise as a pertaining to such individuals arise as a consequence.consequence.

Ecocentric:Ecocentric: Moral standing can be extended to Moral standing can be extended to virtually everything in the environment. The focus virtually everything in the environment. The focus lies more with the entirety and diversity of the lies more with the entirety and diversity of the ecosystem rather than the moral significance of ecosystem rather than the moral significance of each and every individual component of it.each and every individual component of it.

(IAEA, 2002)(IAEA, 2002)


OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

• The pollution prevention principle The pollution prevention principle

• The precautionary principle The precautionary principle

• The substitution principleThe substitution principle

• The polluter-pays principle The polluter-pays principle


PERCEIVED PROBLEMS PERCEIVED PROBLEMS WITH ICRP’s STATEMENTSWITH ICRP’s STATEMENTS

• No explicit scientific evidence quotedNo explicit scientific evidence quoted

• What about habitats where humans are What about habitats where humans are absent?absent?

• What if humans have been removed for their What if humans have been removed for their own safety?own safety?

• How do the statements meet the needs of How do the statements meet the needs of regulators, in terms of direct evidence of regulators, in terms of direct evidence of environmental protection?environmental protection?


INTERNATIONAL GUIDANCEINTERNATIONAL GUIDANCE

• International conventionsInternational conventions • UNSCEARUNSCEAR• ICRPICRP • IAEA IAEA • European CommunityEuropean Community• IURIUR • OECD/NEAOECD/NEA• National initiativesNational initiatives


INTERNATIONAL GUIDANCEINTERNATIONAL GUIDANCE

The Joint Convention on the Management of The Joint Convention on the Management of Spent Nuclear Fuel and Radioactive Waste:Spent Nuclear Fuel and Radioactive Waste:

• Protection of individuals, society and the Protection of individuals, society and the environment.environment.


THE OSPAR CONVENTIONTHE OSPAR CONVENTION Oslo-Paris Convention for the Protection of the Oslo-Paris Convention for the Protection of the

Marine Environment of the North-East AtlanticMarine Environment of the North-East Atlantic

• Concentrations of artificial radionuclides in Concentrations of artificial radionuclides in the marine environment should be reduced the marine environment should be reduced towards zero.towards zero.

• Ultimate aim:Ultimate aim: near background values for near background values for naturally occurring radioactive substances, naturally occurring radioactive substances, and close to zero for artificial radioactive and close to zero for artificial radioactive substances.substances.

(Sintra 1998)(Sintra 1998)


APPROACHES TO ADDRESS APPROACHES TO ADDRESS ICRP’s CURRENT POSITIONICRP’s CURRENT POSITION

• Arguments that because man is protected, Arguments that because man is protected, the environment is protected (athe environment is protected (axiomatic).xiomatic).

• Calculations to demonstrate that, if man Calculations to demonstrate that, if man would receive <1mSv awould receive <1mSv a-1-1, other organisms , other organisms would not be harmed at the population level would not be harmed at the population level (human food chain). (human food chain).

• Environmental concentrations derived in a Environmental concentrations derived in a tiered approach, based on environmental tiered approach, based on environmental dose rates considered safe (dose rates considered safe (generic generic population protection standards)population protection standards)..


• Target dose rates developed for biota Target dose rates developed for biota based on an eco-toxicological approach based on an eco-toxicological approach applying safety factors (applying safety factors (‘no-effects ‘no-effects standards’)standards’). .

• Systematic frameworks for assessing Systematic frameworks for assessing environmental impact of radiation in environmental impact of radiation in specific geographic areas. specific geographic areas.

• A hierarchical system with ‘derived A hierarchical system with ‘derived consideration levels’(consideration levels’(Discrete Reference Discrete Reference Fauna & Flora).Fauna & Flora).

APPROACHES TO ADDRESS APPROACHES TO ADDRESS ICRP’s CURRENT POSITIONICRP’s CURRENT POSITION


RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTTHE ENVIRONMENT

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCESINTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

• STOCKHOLM 1996STOCKHOLM 1996

• OTTAWAOTTAWA 1999 1999

• DARWIN 2002 DARWIN 2002


International Conference on theInternational Conference on the

PROTECTION OF THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT FROM THE EFFECTS ENVIRONMENT FROM THE EFFECTS

OF IONIZING RADIATIONOF IONIZING RADIATION

Stockholm, Sweden6-10 October 2003

Organized by the IAEA

In co-operation with UNSCEAR, the EC and the IUR

Hosted by the Government of Sweden through the Swedish Radiation Protection Authority

Mailing address & information under: http://www.iaea.org/worldatom/Meetings/2003


WHY AN ICRP SYSTEM FOR THE WHY AN ICRP SYSTEM FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?ENVIRONMENT?

• The environment needs protection from The environment needs protection from harmful effects of radiation. harmful effects of radiation.

• There is a need to demonstrate that the There is a need to demonstrate that the environment is adequately protected. environment is adequately protected.

• There are no explicit sets of criteria, standards There are no explicit sets of criteria, standards etc. with international authority or etc. with international authority or endorsement.endorsement.

• Several countries are already implementing Several countries are already implementing environmental radiation standards.environmental radiation standards.


RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTIONRADIOLOGICAL PROTECTIONOF THE ENVIRONMENTOF THE ENVIRONMENT

• The shift from a purely anthropocentric view The shift from a purely anthropocentric view to include other aspects is reflected in to include other aspects is reflected in conventions that emphasize sustainability conventions that emphasize sustainability and biological diversity. and biological diversity.

• The need and goals for protection of the The need and goals for protection of the environment have been defined by society. environment have been defined by society.


PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUALS PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUALS OR POPULATIONS?OR POPULATIONS?

• The question no longer so important, The question no longer so important, because of existing legal requirements.because of existing legal requirements.

• Many animals, plants, areas, and habitats Many animals, plants, areas, and habitats are afforded legal protection from ‘harm’ are afforded legal protection from ‘harm’ from all manner of activities, including from all manner of activities, including radiation. radiation.


PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUALS PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUALS OR POPULATIONS?OR POPULATIONS?

In the UK, many common species are protected In the UK, many common species are protected at the individual level:at the individual level:

• 30 mammals;30 mammals;• 500 birds and (>200 species) their eggs;500 birds and (>200 species) their eggs;• 40 invertebrates; and40 invertebrates; and• 130 plants.130 plants.

This reflects changes in attitudes and values.This reflects changes in attitudes and values.


RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTTHE ENVIRONMENT

• Many international agreements call for Many international agreements call for protection against pollution, incl. radiation. protection against pollution, incl. radiation.

• There are no agreed criteria that address There are no agreed criteria that address radiological protection of the environment. radiological protection of the environment.

• This lack makes it difficult to determine or This lack makes it difficult to determine or demonstrate whether or not the environment demonstrate whether or not the environment is adequately protected from potential is adequately protected from potential impacts of radiation.impacts of radiation.


• The human habitat has been afforded The human habitat has been afforded protection through the application of protection through the application of ICRP’s current system of protection.ICRP’s current system of protection.

HOW CAN WE DEMONSTRATE THAT THE HOW CAN WE DEMONSTRATE THAT THE

ENVIRONMENT IS ADEQUATELY PROTECTED?ENVIRONMENT IS ADEQUATELY PROTECTED?

RADIATION AND THE RADIATION AND THE ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT



ICRP’s decision has not been driven by any ICRP’s decision has not been driven by any

particular concern over environmental particular concern over environmental

radiation hazards, but by the need to fill a radiation hazards, but by the need to fill a

conceptual gap in the system of radiological conceptual gap in the system of radiological

protection.protection.



ICRP intends toICRP intends to

• recommend a practical framework that recommend a practical framework that can be used to give advice and guidance, can be used to give advice and guidance, therebythereby

• helping regulators and operators helping regulators and operators demonstrate compliance with demonstrate compliance with environmental legislation.environmental legislation.


ICRP’s SYSTEM OF PROTECTIONICRP’s SYSTEM OF PROTECTION

The system is achieved in practice by the use The system is achieved in practice by the use of: of:

• Reference anatomical and physiological Reference anatomical and physiological models of humans to derive practical models of humans to derive practical information on the anticipated ‘dose per information on the anticipated ‘dose per unit intake’ of radionuclides.unit intake’ of radionuclides.

• Scientific studies to estimate risks Scientific studies to estimate risks associated with the external and internal associated with the external and internal exposure to radionuclides. exposure to radionuclides.


REFERENCE MANREFERENCE MAN

• Dose calculations require reference values to Dose calculations require reference values to describe anatomical/physiological describe anatomical/physiological characteristics of an exposed individual. characteristics of an exposed individual.

• Such values for tissues/organs define a Such values for tissues/organs define a reference individual. reference individual.

• A reference individual is not intended to A reference individual is not intended to describe an ‘average’ individual. describe an ‘average’ individual.

• The purpose is to create a standard and a The purpose is to create a standard and a point of reference for the procedure of dose point of reference for the procedure of dose estimation. estimation.

• The concept of a Reference Man is one of the The concept of a Reference Man is one of the cornerstones in radiological protection.cornerstones in radiological protection.



ICRP is developing ICRP is developing

• a reference set of a reference set of dosimetric modelsdosimetric models;;• a reference set of a reference set of environmental geometriesenvironmental geometries

that arethat are• applied to applied to Reference Animals and PlantsReference Animals and Plants..

This will allow an assessment of the likely This will allow an assessment of the likely consequences for individuals, the population, consequences for individuals, the population, or of the local environment. or of the local environment.


REFERENCE ANIMALS AND PLANTSREFERENCE ANIMALS AND PLANTS

For each reference organism obtain data on:For each reference organism obtain data on:• basic life-cycle biologybasic life-cycle biology• pathways of radiation exposure expressed pathways of radiation exposure expressed

in terms of dose-per-unit-exposure in terms of dose-per-unit-exposure • exposure geometries and dose model(s) to exposure geometries and dose model(s) to

estimate doses receivedestimate doses received• basic knowledge of radiation effects and basic knowledge of radiation effects and a a

few effect end points few effect end points on individuals.on individuals.


POINTS OF REFERENCE TO DESCRIBE POINTS OF REFERENCE TO DESCRIBE RELEVANCE OF RADIATION DOSES IN RELEVANCE OF RADIATION DOSES IN

NON-HUMAN ORGANISMSNON-HUMAN ORGANISMS

• Dose rates required to observe:Dose rates required to observe:

- early mortality- early mortality

- morbidity- morbidity

- reduced reproductive success- reduced reproductive success

- chromosomal damage- chromosomal damage

• Typical background dose rate for that type of Typical background dose rate for that type of animal or plantanimal or plant..


Molecular Molecular mechanismsmechanisms

Community

Population

RADIATION EFFECTSRADIATION EFFECTS

Natural Natural selectionselection

Individuals

Tissues

Cells

Ecosystem


CRITERIA FOR REFERENCE CRITERIA FOR REFERENCE ANIMALS AND PLANTSANIMALS AND PLANTS

• Are they typical of an ecosystem?Are they typical of an ecosystem?• Are they likely to be exposed to radiation?Are they likely to be exposed to radiation?• What stage(s) in their life cycle are of What stage(s) in their life cycle are of

relevance for the dose or dose rate?relevance for the dose or dose rate?• Can their exposure to radiation be modelled Can their exposure to radiation be modelled

and be related to effects in the individual and be related to effects in the individual organism?organism?

• What radiobiological information is available?What radiobiological information is available?• Are they amenable to future research?Are they amenable to future research?


TAXONOMIC LEVEL OF A TAXONOMIC LEVEL OF A REFERENCE ORGANISMREFERENCE ORGANISM

CATEGORYCATEGORY ANIMALANIMAL

PhylumPhylum Chordatae Chordatae

ClassClass MammaliaeMammaliae

OrderOrder CarnivoraeCarnivorae

FamilyFamily Felidae Felidae

SpeciesSpecies Felis domesticusFelis domesticus

VarietyVariety Siamese, Persian blueSiamese, Persian blue


ICRP’s REFERENCE ANIMALS AND ICRP’s REFERENCE ANIMALS AND PLANTSPLANTS

RatRat EarthwormEarthworm

Duck Duck Marine snailMarine snail

FrogFrog CrabCrab

Freshwater fish Freshwater fish GrassGrass

Marine flat fishMarine flat fish Brown seaweedBrown seaweed

BeeBee Pine treePine tree


ICRP’s REFERENCE ANIMALS AND ICRP’s REFERENCE ANIMALS AND PLANTSPLANTS

Organism Terrestrial Freshwater MarineRodentRodent XX

DuckDuck XX XX

FrogFrog XX XX

Freshwater fishFreshwater fish XX XX

Marine flat fishMarine flat fish XX

BeeBee XX

Marine snailMarine snail XX XX XX

CrabCrab XX XX

EarthwormEarthworm XX XX XX

Pine TreePine Tree XX

GrassGrass XX XX

Brown seaweedBrown seaweed xx


DERIVEDDERIVED CONSIDERATION LEVELS CONSIDERATION LEVELS

RAISED CONCERNRAISED CONCERN

LITTLE CONCERNLITTLE CONCERN

Natural background for a reference organism

> Several times the natural background

< Natural background


A COMMON APPROACHA COMMON APPROACH

Practices

Reference Man

Environmental radionuclide concentration(s)

Reference Animals and Plants

Dose limits,Dose constraints

Decision-Making regarding public health and environment for the same environmental situation

Derived Consideration Levels


ICRP’S CURRENT WORK WITH ICRP’S CURRENT WORK WITH REFERENCE ANIMALS AND PLANTS REFERENCE ANIMALS AND PLANTS

(RAP)(RAP)

• Select, describe and define ICRP’s RAPs.• Define end-points for assessing radiation

effects in RAPs.• Develop a reference set of dose models for

RAPs. • Compile sets of Derived Consideration

Levels for RAPs. • Develop a set of quantities and units that

could be suggested for use for RAPs.

A report is expected in 2005.


WHAT MIGHT ALL THIS HELP TO WHAT MIGHT ALL THIS HELP TO ACHIEVE?ACHIEVE?

• A clear set of objectives and principles.A clear set of objectives and principles.

• Basic knowledge of radiation effects. Basic knowledge of radiation effects.

• An agreed set of quantities and units.An agreed set of quantities and units.

• A means of demonstrating compliance. A means of demonstrating compliance.

• A reference set of dose models for a number A reference set of dose models for a number of Reference Animals and Plants.of Reference Animals and Plants.



• A framework for radiological protection of A framework for radiological protection of the environment must be practical and the environment must be practical and simple. simple.

• In order to transparently demonstrate the In order to transparently demonstrate the derivation of judgements and decisions, derivation of judgements and decisions, the use of Reference Animals and Plants the use of Reference Animals and Plants would be helpful. would be helpful.


ICRP COMMITTEE 5ICRP COMMITTEE 5CHAIR: R JAN PENTREATH, UKCHAIR: R JAN PENTREATH, UK

Protection of the environmentProtection of the environment

Development and use of Reference Animals Development and use of Reference Animals and Plantsand Plants

Ensure compatibility of approach with:Ensure compatibility of approach with: - human radiological protection and- human radiological protection and - with other forms of environmental - with other forms of environmental

protectionprotection

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ICRP AND RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION OF NON-HUMAN SPECIES