Radioactivity from natural,industrial, and other sources

Natural radioactivity and the use of x-rays and radioactive substances in the practice of medicine are the main sources of radiation exposure to the general public. The protection standards used in all countries are based on the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. These standards are being observed by the nuclear industry and have succeeded in protecting both nuclear workers and members of the general public. The dose received from nuclear power generation is a tiny fraction compared to the doses received from nature and medical practice.However, a great gap exists between the risks of low-level radiation exposure as perceived by the public and the risk that actually exists. This is true not only concerning nuclear power generation, but also with respect to the need to dispose of both high-level and low-level wastes. In addition, the dangers of plutonium have become distorted in the public mind. Fifty years of research into the biological effects of plutonium have been reassuring and an excellent safety record has been achieved in the industrial production of this material.