The Concept of Radioecological Sensitivity
It is important to be able readily to identify major routes of exposure, the most highly exposed individuals or populations and the geographical areas of most concern arising from radioactive contamination. The critical group approach is used to identify sub-sections of the population who are likely...
| Published in: | Radiation Protection Dosimetry |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Text |
| Language: | English |
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Oxford University Press
2000
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://rpd.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/92/1-3/29 https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a033279 |
| Summary: | It is important to be able readily to identify major routes of exposure, the most highly exposed individuals or populations and the geographical areas of most concern arising from radioactive contamination. The critical group approach is used to identify sub-sections of the population who are likely to be most exposed. In this paper, the concept of radioecological sensitivity is explored with particular reference to methods of identifying spatial variation in radiation exposure. Radioecological sensitivity analysis attempts to integrate current knowledge on pathways, spatially attribute the underlying processes determining transfer and thereby identify the most radioecologically sensitive areas leading to high radiation exposure. This identifies where high exposure may occur and why, not only for humans, but also for other biota. It can consider single food products or species, or a number of key parameters to identify areas where a number of key pathways coincide. An example of radioecological sensitivity analysis is given for the Arctic. Prior identification of such areas and exposed individuals should improve the focus of emergency preparedness and planning, and contribute to environmental impact assessment for future facilities. |
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