HC Deb 23 June 1986 vol 100 cc8-9W
Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent the United Kingdom's emergency reference levels for radioactivity are drawn from a basis of acceptable risk of cancer resulting from wholebody doses of radioactivity; and to what extent emergency reference levels for one radioisotope take account of other radioisotopes to which individuals may be simultaneously exposed.

Mr. Waldegrave

The United Kingdom's emergency reference levels for radioactivity, which are advisory for Government, were issued by the National Radiological Protection Board in 1981. They are figures for dose received by whole body and individual organs or tissues from all radionuclides. They are based on balancing the level of risk from harmful effects of radiation with the social cost and risk of counter measures.