ICRP Publication 138 describes the “ethical foundations of the system of radiological protection,” outlining a set of ethical values underlying the system and its application. Other publications that include dedicated discussion of ethics, among a few others, include Publications 91, 122, 146 and 153 related to the environment, waste disposal, nuclear accident and veterinary practice, respectively. Most recently, Publication 157 elaborates on Publication 138 in the context of medical exposures; like Publication 138 it is wholly dedicated to ethics, with emphasis on practical application. Similar consideration of ethics in practice is necessary going forward for other areas of radiological protection (RP).
The task group will consider the practical application of ethics in the context of RP. The preliminary structure to be considered should be combinations of types of exposure (worker, public, patients, environment) and situations of exposure (planned, existing, emergency). As it may be difficult to address every one of these combinations in the same intensity, the group may decide, through engagement with the RP community, where to set priorities. The aim of its work is to:
The work of the task group will be collaborative and inclusive in order to fully and appropriately discuss practical implementation. It is envisaged that meetings of the task group will be supplemented with a series of in-person and virtual workshops, organized in partnership with the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) and other interested organizations, to support robust and ample contributions and insight from around the world. As the work progresses, additional collaborations or partnerships may be appropriate.
| Nicole Martinez (Co-Chair), Clemson University, USA | ||
| Friedo Zölzer (Co-Chair), University of South Bohemia, Czech Republic | ||
| Leticia Irazola Rosales (Technical Secretary), Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja, Spain |