ICRP and Fukushima

After the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station accident, ICRP launched Task Group 84 to compile initial lessons related to the system of radiological protection. The objective was to advise the Commission to help in developing its ongoing program of work. The Task Group consisted of several Main Commission members, Committee members and Japanese experts who dealt with the accident first hand. The report produced by the TG84 was accepted by the Main Commission in October 2012 and a summary published by the Commission.

ICRP is already taking actions based on the recommendations of TG84. For example, TG90 is developing dose conversion coefficients for external exposures to environmental sources including those that may result from a nuclear accident, and TG93 is updating ICRP Publications 109 and 111 on emergency and existing exposure situations. In addition, all ICRP Committees are reviewing the recommendations of TG84 and reporting to the Main Commission on how they are being addressed.

Furthermore, in autumn 2011 ICRP began a Dialogue Initiative between experts, authorities, professionals, NGOs, local communities and representatives of Belarusian, Norwegian and French organisations with direct experience in managing long-term consequences of the Chernobyl accident, to find ways to respond to the challenges of the long term consequences of the Fukushima Daiichi accident. This is an opportunity to share experience, and to promote radiological protection culture among all engaged in the rehabilitation of the living conditions in the territories affected by the accident.