Evolution Of Radiation Protection Standards

X-rays were put into medical and other uses soon after its discovery in 1895. This was followed by the use of other types of ionising radiations. The benefits and damages resulting from use of radiations were soon evident. The early recommendations for controlling radiation exposures came in 1915. The international Commission on Radiological Protection gave its first recommendations in 1934 and these were revised in 1955, 1959, 1977 and 1991. Effectively, the average annual whole body dose limit to workers has been reduced from 500 mSv to 20 mSv and for public from 15 mSv to 1 mSv during this period.