Opening address

There are many users and producers of ionising radiations including industrial power and processes, medical therapeutics and diagnostics and scientific research. All, in one way or another, are concerned with the health effects of ionising radiations for individuals and groups and for populations.

This concern requires that all those whose business is radiological protection have the necessary information to assess the health effects of ionising radiations. Practical controls need standards and these standards must be based on sound knowledge. As a former regulator of the UK1s nuclear industry I am aware how much of the legislation on ionising radiations, and that to do with regulation of the nuclear industry, depends on this knowledge.