Living in radioactive environments: a non-human perspective

Radiation protection of non-humans has recently been integrated into the ICRP (International Commission on Radiation Protection) framework using a reference animal and plant approach matching the anthropocentric 'reference human' approach. While this is simple to implement it has many drawbacks and is essentially focusing on measurements of uptake and transfer of radionuclides in individuals. This ignores the complexity and interdependence of natural ecosystems. It also ignores the biology involved in management of radiation damage in wild populations. To address these concerns international efforts are being made to develop a more ecocentric or holistic approach. Especially important is the recognition that ecosystems are very complex and that adverse emergent properties of these systems such as biodiversity collapse are not predictable from measurement of impacts on individuals. The paper discusses the limitations of current ICRP approaches and considers some promising new ideas, which may lead to more integrated protection systems involving the ecosystem as a central focus rather than the individual.