Publication Abstract

On homogeneity within critical groups

G. J. Hunt

Since the 1960s, the methodology recommendedby the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) for assessment of individual doses has developed significantly, yet the specific recommendations related to the characteristics of "criticle groups" for the purposes of protection of the public have been interpreted but are relatively unchanged. This note examines developments relevant to the criteria for appropriate homogeneity of habits within criticle groups. It is suggested that with the need for additivity of effective doses summed over different contributing exposure pathways, an important criterion for selection of the criticle group is homogeneity of summed effective doses rather than, necessarily, of the underlying habits focussing on a particular pathway. This implies that there need to be less emphasis than before on the term "criticle pathway". However, examples of recent retrospective assessments near UK nuclear establishments are given and it is shown that, in practice, criticle groups selected on this suggested basis are still fairly homogeneous in terms of detailed habits.

Reference:

G. J. Hunt (2004) On homogeneity within critical groups. Journal of Radiological Protection, 24: 265-272.