Recommended citation
ICRP, 2018. Ethical foundations of the system of radiological protection. ICRP Publication 138. Ann. ICRP 47(1).
Authors on behalf of ICRP
K-W. Cho, M-C. Cantone, C. Kurihara-Saio, B. Le Guen, N. Martinez, D. Oughton, T. Schneider, R. Toohey, F. Zölzer
Abstract - Despite a longstanding recognition that radiological protection is not only a matter of science, but also ethics, ICRP publications have rarely addressed the ethical foundations of the system of radiological protection explicitly. The purpose of this publication is to describe how the Commission has relied on ethical values, either intentionally or indirectly, in developing the system of radiological protection with the objective of presenting a coherent view of how ethics is part of this system. In so doing, it helps to clarify the inherent value judgements made in achieving the aim of the radiological protection system as underlined by the Commission in Publication 103. Although primarily addressed to the radiological protection community, this publication is also intended to address authorities, operators, workers, medical professionals, patients, the public, and its representatives (e.g. NGOs) acting in the interest of the protection of people and the environment. This publication provides the key steps concerning the scientific, ethical, and practical evolutions of the system of radiological protection since the first ICRP publication in 1928. It then describes the four core ethical values underpinning the present system: beneficence/non-maleficence, prudence, justice, and dignity. It also discusses how these core ethical values relate to the principles of radiological protection, namely justification, optimisation, and limitation. The publication finally addresses key procedural values that are required for the practical implementation of the system, focusing on accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness. The Commission sees this publication as a founding document to be elaborated further in different situations and circumstances.
Keywords: Radiological protection system; Ethical values; Procedural values.
AUTHORS ON BEHALF OF ICRP K-W. CHO, M-C. CANTONE, C. KURIHARA-SAIO, B. LE GUEN, N. MARTINEZ, D. OUGHTON, T. SCHNEIDER, R. TOOHEY, F. ZÖLZER
Key Points
Radiological protection relies on scientific knowledge, ethical considerations, and practical experience. This is the first ICRP publication dedicated to elaborating the ethical foundations of the system of radiological protection.
This publication provides a foundation and common language for discussion of the ethical aspects of radiological protection between experts and with a wider audience, and insight into applying the system of radiological protection where there are competing ethical priorities.
The system of radiological protection relies on four core ethical values:
Beneficence/non-maleficence: promoting or doing good, and avoiding doing harm. This is reflected, for example, in the primary aim of the system of radiological protection: ... an appropriate level of protection ... without unduly limiting ... desirable human actions.
Prudence: making informed and carefully considered choices without full knowledge of the scope and consequences of an action. Prudence is reflected, for example, in the consideration of uncertainty of radiation risks for both humans and the environment.
Justice: fairness in the distribution of advantages and disadvantages. Justice is a key value underlying, for example, individual dose restrictions that aim to prevent any individual from receiving an unfair burden of risk.
Dignity: the unconditional respect that every person deserves, irrespective of personal attributes or circumstances. Personal autonomy is a corollary of human dignity. This underlies, for example, the importance placed on stakeholder participation and the empowerment of individuals to make their own informed decisions.
The core ethical values support the aims of the system of radiological protection and its three fundamental principles: justification, optimisation, and individual dose limitation.
Three procedural values are highlighted to aid the practical implementation of radiological protection: accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness (stakeholder participation).
Executive Summary: Not included in this publication
Concise Summary
The ICRP documents have hardly addressed the ethics of the system of radiological protection on their own before Publication 138. This publication describes how the ICRP has relied on ethics to create its system. It aims to show how ethics is part of this system. Moreover, it holds the essential conclusions that produced the systems aim. This work:
• shows the main changes in the system of radiological protection since 1928,
• describes the four primary ethical ideals behind the current system, namely beneficence/non maleficence, prudence justice and dignity.
• considers how the ethical ideals relate to the fundamental radiological protection principles and
• focuses on vital practical values of accountability, transparency and inclusiveness needed for the application of the system.
The ICRP sees this work as a founding document to be developed further in different situations and circumstances.
General Summary
The ICRP documents have hardly addressed the ethics of the system of radiological protection on its own before Publication 138. This publication describes how the ICRP has relied on ethics to create its system. Its aim is to show how ethics is part of this system. Moreover, it holds the essential conclusions that produced the systems aim. Its common language will help discussions on ethical aspects between:
• experts in radiological protection,
• authorities,
• operators,
• workers,
• medical professionals,
• patients and the general public.
It can also help voluntary groups or institutions that want to help people and the environment.
This work shows the main changes in the system of radiological protection since 1928. It then describes the four primary ethical ideals behind the current system:
• Beneficence/ non-maleficence or helping people.
o Using a proper level of protection without limiting desirable human actions.
• Prudence or being careful.
o When considering the uncertainty of radiation risks for humans and the environment.
• Justice or giving each person what is needed.
o Individual dose restrictions prevent anyone from receiving an unfair risk increase.
• Dignity or respecting people.
o The ability of people to make their own informed decisions.
This work also considers how the ethical ideals relate to the fundamental radiological protection principles of:
• Justification.
o Any decision that changes the radiation exposure condition should do more good than harm.
• Optimisation.
o Process for ensuring that the likelihood and size of exposures and the number of individuals exposed are as low as reasonably achievable.
• Dose limitations.
o The dose to individuals from planned exposure situations, other than medical exposure of patients, should not exceed the limits recommended.
The last part of this work focuses on key practical values needed for the application of the system. It focuses on responsibility, not hiding anything from the public, and making everyone feel like they are part of the system.
The ICRP sees this work as a founding document to be developed further in different situations and circumstances.
Technical Summary
Despite a longstanding recognition that radiological protection is not only a matter of science but also ethics, ICRP publications have rarely addressed the ethical foundations of the system of radiological protection explicitly. The purpose of this publication is to describe how the Commission has relied on ethical values, either intentionally or indirectly, in developing the system of radiological protection to present a coherent view of how ethics is part of this system. Publication 138 is the first ICRP publication dedicated to elaborating the ethical foundations of the system of radiological protection. In so doing, it helps to clarify the inherent value judgements made in achieving the aim of the radiological protection system as underlined by the Commission in Publication 103.
Although primarily addressed to the radiological protection community, this publication is also intended to address authorities, operators, workers, medical professionals, patients, the public, and its representatives (e.g. NGOs) acting to protect people and the environment. This publication provides a foundation and common language for discussing the ethical aspects of radiological protection between experts and with a broader audience and insight into applying the system of radiological protection where there are competing ethical priorities.
This publication provides the critical steps concerning the scientific, ethical, and practical evolutions of the system of radiological protection since the first ICRP publication in 1928. It then describes the four core ethical values underpinning the present system: beneficence/ non-maleficence (To promote or do good and to avoid harming. Beneficence and non-maleficence are vital values of biomedical ethics. In radiological protection, beneficence is considered when increasing the direct and indirect benefits for individuals, communities, and the environment, and non-maleficence is considered when reducing the direct and indirect harm and risk for individuals, communities, and the environment. This is reflected, for example, in the primary aim of the system of radiological protection: ... an appropriate level of protection ... without unduly limiting ... desirable human actions), prudence (making informed and carefully considered choices without full knowledge of the scope and consequences of an action. Prudence is reflected, for example, in considering the uncertainty of radiation risks for humans and the environment), justice (fairness in the distribution of advantages and disadvantages. Justice is a crucial value underlying, for example, individual dose restrictions that aim to prevent any individual from receiving an unfair burden of risk) and dignity (the value and respect that every person has and deserves regardless of her/his age, sex, health, social condition, ethnic origin religion. Personal autonomy is a corollary of human dignity and underlies, for example, the importance placed on stakeholder participation and the empowerment of individuals to make their own informed decisions).
It also discusses how these core ethical values relate to the principles of radiological protection (justification, optimisation and dose limits). Justification focuses on any decision that alters the radiation exposure situation and that it should do more good than harm. Optimisation deals with the likelihood of incurring exposure, the number of people exposed, and the magnitude of their doses, all of which should be kept as low as reasonably achievable, considering economic and societal factors. Dose Limits ensure that the total dose to any individual from regulated sources in planned exposure situations other than medical exposure of patients should not exceed the appropriate limits specified by the Commission.
The publication finally addresses fundamental procedural values required for the systems practical implementation (accountability, transparency and inclusiveness). Accountability is the obligation individuals, or organisations have when in charge of decision-making to answer for their actions to all those likely to be affected. Transparency deals with the accessibility of information regarding the deliberations and decisions concerning potential or ongoing activities and the honesty with which this information is transmitted. Finally, inclusiveness ensures that all those concerned can participate in discussions, deliberations, and decision-making concerning situations that affect them). Therefore, the Commission sees this publication as a founding document to be elaborated further in different situations and circumstances.
ICRP, 2018. Ethical foundations of the system of radiological protection. ICRP Publication 138. Ann. ICRP 47(1).
Authors on behalf of ICRP
K-W. Cho, M-C. Cantone, C. Kurihara-Saio, B. Le Guen, N. Martinez, D. Oughton, T. Schneider, R. Toohey, F. Zölzer
Abstract - Despite a longstanding recognition that radiological protection is not only a matter of science, but also ethics, ICRP publications have rarely addressed the ethical foundations of the system of radiological protection explicitly. The purpose of this publication is to describe how the Commission has relied on ethical values, either intentionally or indirectly, in developing the system of radiological protection with the objective of presenting a coherent view of how ethics is part of this system. In so doing, it helps to clarify the inherent value judgements made in achieving the aim of the radiological protection system as underlined by the Commission in Publication 103. Although primarily addressed to the radiological protection community, this publication is also intended to address authorities, operators, workers, medical professionals, patients, the public, and its representatives (e.g. NGOs) acting in the interest of the protection of people and the environment. This publication provides the key steps concerning the scientific, ethical, and practical evolutions of the system of radiological protection since the first ICRP publication in 1928. It then describes the four core ethical values underpinning the present system: beneficence/non-maleficence, prudence, justice, and dignity. It also discusses how these core ethical values relate to the principles of radiological protection, namely justification, optimisation, and limitation. The publication finally addresses key procedural values that are required for the practical implementation of the system, focusing on accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness. The Commission sees this publication as a founding document to be elaborated further in different situations and circumstances.
Keywords: Radiological protection system; Ethical values; Procedural values.
AUTHORS ON BEHALF OF ICRP K-W. CHO, M-C. CANTONE, C. KURIHARA-SAIO, B. LE GUEN, N. MARTINEZ, D. OUGHTON, T. SCHNEIDER, R. TOOHEY, F. ZÖLZER
Key Points
Radiological protection relies on scientific knowledge, ethical considerations, and practical experience. This is the first ICRP publication dedicated to elaborating the ethical foundations of the system of radiological protection.
This publication provides a foundation and common language for discussion of the ethical aspects of radiological protection between experts and with a wider audience, and insight into applying the system of radiological protection where there are competing ethical priorities.
The system of radiological protection relies on four core ethical values:
Beneficence/non-maleficence: promoting or doing good, and avoiding doing harm. This is reflected, for example, in the primary aim of the system of radiological protection: ... an appropriate level of protection ... without unduly limiting ... desirable human actions.
Prudence: making informed and carefully considered choices without full knowledge of the scope and consequences of an action. Prudence is reflected, for example, in the consideration of uncertainty of radiation risks for both humans and the environment.
Justice: fairness in the distribution of advantages and disadvantages. Justice is a key value underlying, for example, individual dose restrictions that aim to prevent any individual from receiving an unfair burden of risk.
Dignity: the unconditional respect that every person deserves, irrespective of personal attributes or circumstances. Personal autonomy is a corollary of human dignity. This underlies, for example, the importance placed on stakeholder participation and the empowerment of individuals to make their own informed decisions.
The core ethical values support the aims of the system of radiological protection and its three fundamental principles: justification, optimisation, and individual dose limitation.
Three procedural values are highlighted to aid the practical implementation of radiological protection: accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness (stakeholder participation).
Executive Summary: Not included in this publication
Concise Summary
The ICRP documents have hardly addressed the ethics of the system of radiological protection on their own before Publication 138. This publication describes how the ICRP has relied on ethics to create its system. It aims to show how ethics is part of this system. Moreover, it holds the essential conclusions that produced the systems aim. This work:
• shows the main changes in the system of radiological protection since 1928,
• describes the four primary ethical ideals behind the current system, namely beneficence/non maleficence, prudence justice and dignity.
• considers how the ethical ideals relate to the fundamental radiological protection principles and
• focuses on vital practical values of accountability, transparency and inclusiveness needed for the application of the system.
The ICRP sees this work as a founding document to be developed further in different situations and circumstances.
General Summary
The ICRP documents have hardly addressed the ethics of the system of radiological protection on its own before Publication 138. This publication describes how the ICRP has relied on ethics to create its system. Its aim is to show how ethics is part of this system. Moreover, it holds the essential conclusions that produced the systems aim. Its common language will help discussions on ethical aspects between:
• experts in radiological protection,
• authorities,
• operators,
• workers,
• medical professionals,
• patients and the general public.
It can also help voluntary groups or institutions that want to help people and the environment.
This work shows the main changes in the system of radiological protection since 1928. It then describes the four primary ethical ideals behind the current system:
• Beneficence/ non-maleficence or helping people.
o Using a proper level of protection without limiting desirable human actions.
• Prudence or being careful.
o When considering the uncertainty of radiation risks for humans and the environment.
• Justice or giving each person what is needed.
o Individual dose restrictions prevent anyone from receiving an unfair risk increase.
• Dignity or respecting people.
o The ability of people to make their own informed decisions.
This work also considers how the ethical ideals relate to the fundamental radiological protection principles of:
• Justification.
o Any decision that changes the radiation exposure condition should do more good than harm.
• Optimisation.
o Process for ensuring that the likelihood and size of exposures and the number of individuals exposed are as low as reasonably achievable.
• Dose limitations.
o The dose to individuals from planned exposure situations, other than medical exposure of patients, should not exceed the limits recommended.
The last part of this work focuses on key practical values needed for the application of the system. It focuses on responsibility, not hiding anything from the public, and making everyone feel like they are part of the system.
The ICRP sees this work as a founding document to be developed further in different situations and circumstances.
Technical Summary
Despite a longstanding recognition that radiological protection is not only a matter of science but also ethics, ICRP publications have rarely addressed the ethical foundations of the system of radiological protection explicitly. The purpose of this publication is to describe how the Commission has relied on ethical values, either intentionally or indirectly, in developing the system of radiological protection to present a coherent view of how ethics is part of this system. Publication 138 is the first ICRP publication dedicated to elaborating the ethical foundations of the system of radiological protection. In so doing, it helps to clarify the inherent value judgements made in achieving the aim of the radiological protection system as underlined by the Commission in Publication 103.
Although primarily addressed to the radiological protection community, this publication is also intended to address authorities, operators, workers, medical professionals, patients, the public, and its representatives (e.g. NGOs) acting to protect people and the environment. This publication provides a foundation and common language for discussing the ethical aspects of radiological protection between experts and with a broader audience and insight into applying the system of radiological protection where there are competing ethical priorities.
This publication provides the critical steps concerning the scientific, ethical, and practical evolutions of the system of radiological protection since the first ICRP publication in 1928. It then describes the four core ethical values underpinning the present system: beneficence/ non-maleficence (To promote or do good and to avoid harming. Beneficence and non-maleficence are vital values of biomedical ethics. In radiological protection, beneficence is considered when increasing the direct and indirect benefits for individuals, communities, and the environment, and non-maleficence is considered when reducing the direct and indirect harm and risk for individuals, communities, and the environment. This is reflected, for example, in the primary aim of the system of radiological protection: ... an appropriate level of protection ... without unduly limiting ... desirable human actions), prudence (making informed and carefully considered choices without full knowledge of the scope and consequences of an action. Prudence is reflected, for example, in considering the uncertainty of radiation risks for humans and the environment), justice (fairness in the distribution of advantages and disadvantages. Justice is a crucial value underlying, for example, individual dose restrictions that aim to prevent any individual from receiving an unfair burden of risk) and dignity (the value and respect that every person has and deserves regardless of her/his age, sex, health, social condition, ethnic origin religion. Personal autonomy is a corollary of human dignity and underlies, for example, the importance placed on stakeholder participation and the empowerment of individuals to make their own informed decisions).
It also discusses how these core ethical values relate to the principles of radiological protection (justification, optimisation and dose limits). Justification focuses on any decision that alters the radiation exposure situation and that it should do more good than harm. Optimisation deals with the likelihood of incurring exposure, the number of people exposed, and the magnitude of their doses, all of which should be kept as low as reasonably achievable, considering economic and societal factors. Dose Limits ensure that the total dose to any individual from regulated sources in planned exposure situations other than medical exposure of patients should not exceed the appropriate limits specified by the Commission.
The publication finally addresses fundamental procedural values required for the systems practical implementation (accountability, transparency and inclusiveness). Accountability is the obligation individuals, or organisations have when in charge of decision-making to answer for their actions to all those likely to be affected. Transparency deals with the accessibility of information regarding the deliberations and decisions concerning potential or ongoing activities and the honesty with which this information is transmitted. Finally, inclusiveness ensures that all those concerned can participate in discussions, deliberations, and decision-making concerning situations that affect them). Therefore, the Commission sees this publication as a founding document to be elaborated further in different situations and circumstances.
