International Basic Safety Standards for Protection Against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources

These Standards, co-sponsored by FAO, ILO, OECD/NEA.

PAHO and WHO, are based on assessments of the biological effects of irradiation made by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, and on the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection and the International Nuclear Safety Advisory Group.

The Standards represent an international consensus on qualitative and quantitative requirements for protection and safety for: planned practices such as nuclear power generation and the use of radiation and radioactive materials in medicine and industry; intervention in existing situations such as chronic exposure to natural sources of radiation or exposure following an accident; control of radiation sources, including notification and authorization, and criteria for exemption.

Consensus guidance is also given on: occupational radiation protection; protection of patients in radiography, fluoroscopy, computer tomography, mammography and nuclear medicine; protection of members of the public from exposure to radioactive materials released to the environment; prevention of incidents giving rise to potential exposures; and intervention in a radiological emergency.