The NCRP was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1964 as the National Council on Radiation
Protection and Measurements (Public Law 88-376). Its objectives are to…
1. collect, analyze, develop and disseminate in the public interest information and
recommendations about (a) protection against radiation (referred to herein as radiation
protection) and (b) radiation measurements, quantities and units, particularly those concerned
with radiation protection;
2. provide a means by which organizations concerned with the scientific and related aspects of
radiation protection and of radiation quantities, units and measurements may cooperate for
effective utilization of their combined resources, and to stimulate the work of such organizations;
3. develop basic concepts about radiation quantities, units and measurements, about the
application of these concepts, and about radiation protection;
4. cooperate with the International Commission on Radiological Protection, the Federal
Radiation Council, the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements, and
other national and international organizations, governmental and private, concerned with
radiation quantities, units and measurements and with radiation protection."
In their report #116, Limitation of Exposure to Ionizing Radiation (1993), the NCRP cites
exposure limits. This symposium will provide information and discussion on the recommended
exposure limits for the general public. The science and policy leading to the fundamental limit of
1.0 mSv per year will be presented. The rationale for quartering that limit will be presented. The
cost-effectiveness of any risk-reduction, and the possibility of related occupational and medical
risk increases will be discussed. The idea that the quartered dose level is a reasonable basis for a
cost-effective national policy on shielding design will be debated. The process by which
regulations are created and the resulting practical and economic consequences will be discussed.
The symposium will conclude with a panel discussion including audience participation.