########## How were radiation dose limits established?

The NRC radiation dose limits in 10 CFR Part 20 were established by the NRC based on the recommendations of the ICRP and NCRP as endorsed in Federal radiation protection guidance developed by the EPA (Ref. 12). The limits were recommended by the ICRP and NCRP with the objective of ensuring that working in a radiation-related industry was as safe as working in other comparable industries. The dose limits and the principle of ALARA should ensure that risks to workers are maintained indistinguishable from risks from background radiation.

########## Several scientific reports have recommended that the NRC establish lower dose limits. Does the NRC plan to reduce the regulatory limits?

Since publication of the NRC's proposed rule in 1986, the ICRP in 1990 revised its recommendations for radiation protection based on newer studies of radiation risks (Ref. 13), and the NCRP followed with a revision to its recommendations in 1993. The ICRP recommended a limit of 10 rems (0.1 Sv) effective dose equivalent (from internal and external sources), over a 5-year period with no more than 5 rems (0.05 Sv) in 1year (Ref. 13). The NCRP recommended a cumulative limit in rems, not to exceed the individual's age in years, with no more than 5 rems (0.05 Sv) in any year (Ref. 14). The NRC does not believe that additional reductions in the dose limits are required at this time. Be­ cause of the practice of maintaining radiation exposures ALARA (as low as is reasonably achievable), the average radiation dose to occupationally exposed per­ sons is well below the limits inthe current Part 20 that became mandatory January 1, 1994, and the average doses to radiation workers are below the new limits recommended by the ICRP and the NCRP.

########## What are the options if a worker decides that the risks associated with occupational radiation exposure are too high?

If the risks from exposure to occupational radiation are unacceptable to a worker, he or she can request a transfer to a job that does not involve exposure to radiation. However, the risks associated with the exposure to radiation that workers, on the average, actually receive are comparable to risks in other industries and are considered acceptable by the scientific groups that have studied them. An employer is not obligated to guarantee a transfer if a worker decides not to accept an assignment that requires exposure to radiation. Any worker has the option of seeking other employment in a non-radiation occupation. However, the studies that have compared occupational risks in the nuclear industry to those in other job areas indicate that nuclear work is relatively safe. Thus, a worker may find different kinds of risk but will not necessarily find significantly lower risks in another job.

########## Where can one get additional information on radiation risk?

The following list suggests sources of useful information on radiation risk:

The employer-the radiation protection or health physics office where a worker is employed. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regional Offices:

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania	(610)	337-5000
Atlanta, Georgia	(404)	331-4503
Lisle, Illinois	(708)	829-9500
Arlington, Texas	(817)	860-8100

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Headquarters Radiation Protection & Health Effects Branch Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research Washington, DC 20555