Many ICRP publications addressed the ethical foundations of radiological protection before, but despite this fact their coherent and generic view is presented for the first time.
The evolution of the radiological protection system is being analyzed in detail as well as its relation to the universal human moral values.
It is stated that the radiological protection measures cause interference into usual life mode to some extent as well as economic, social and psychological problems. It means every person deserves absolute respect regardless his or her age, sex, health state, social position, ethnic origin and religious beliefs. Thus, at situations with radiation exposure requiring radiological protection measures, it is necessary to consider the principles of justice and equity in loss recovery and support provided to the irradiated population including, if applicable, diagnostics and treatment of possible pathologies caused by ionizing radiation.
Earlier ICRP publications which developed principles of radiological protection and dose limits guarantee that exposed population and workers will not exceed the acceptable risk limit, whereas radiation sources use, in medical purposes in particular, provides more benefit than harm.
The following aspect is especially noteworthy: the current generation cannot provide with taking social measures in future because of technical and scientific uncertainty and community evolution in the longer term, but it should look to providing means of protection for the next generations.
Without any doubt, this publication will be of use for specialists who develop measures of radiological protection and authorities making decisions on their use and implementing them in the interest of the protection of people and the environment.