Radiation protection and the interface with safety

Abstract Radiation protection is concerned mainly with the control of the probability of causing cancer. There are no adequate grounds for expecting that small increments of dose above those received every year from natural sources will cause absolutely no increase in the incidence of cancer, so the aim is to use all reasonable means to reduce any additional doses. The interpretation of the word ‘reasonable’ depends on the magnitude of the doses and the number of people exposed. The policy in nuclear safety has been moving towards the acceptance of accidents as inescapable events, of which the probability of occurrence can be reduced but not eliminated. Again, all reasonable means are called for, but the judgement of what is reasonable is much more difficult than in radiation protection. A continuing dialogue between safety and protection seems desirable.