Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) removed the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle from its radiation protection directives.
- The decision departs from global radiation safety norms amid a review of standards by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, triggering debate over nuclear safety regulation.
- Foundations of Global Radiation Protection: The Linear No-Threshold (LNT) Model and ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) forms the foundation of Global Radiation Protection.
About Linear No-Threshold (LNT) Model
- It is a widely accepted risk assessment framework used in radiation protection. It assumes that any exposure to ionising radiation, no matter how small, carries some risk of harmful effects, particularly cancer.
- According to this model, there is no safe threshold below which radiation can be considered completely risk-free.
- Core Principle: The central assumption of the LNT model is that radiation risk increases linearly with dose. This means:
- Even the smallest dose has the potential to cause cellular damage.
- The probability of cancer increases proportionally with cumulative radiation exposure.
- Endorsement: It is endorsed by bodies such as the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
- It is largely derived from epidemiological studies of atomic bomb survivors and occupational radiation exposure data.
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About ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)
- ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) is a foundational principle of radiation protection aimed at minimising human exposure to ionising radiation.
- It operates within the broader framework of the Linear No-Threshold (LNT) model
- Core Philosophy: The key word in ALARA is “reasonably.” The principle recognises that zero exposure is often impractical in nuclear, medical, industrial, and research settings. Therefore, it balances:
- Safety and health protection
- Technological feasibility
- Economic cost
- Societal and operational needs
- It emphasises continuous improvement through better shielding, administrative controls, training, and engineering measures, thereby promoting a strong safety culture and reducing unnecessary radiation exposure.
About International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP)
- Established in 1928 (originally as the International X-ray and Radium Protection Committee).
- Objectives:
- To protect people and the environment from harmful effects of ionising radiation.
- To develop principles and standards for radiation safety worldwide.
- Headquarters: Ottawa, Canada.
- ICRP’s framework is based on three fundamental principles:
- Justification: Any radiation exposure must do more good than harm.
- Optimisation (ALARA): Exposure must be kept as low as reasonably achievable.
- Dose Limitation: Individual exposure must not exceed prescribed limits.
- Recommendatory Nature: Its recommendations form the scientific basis for regulations by:
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR)
ICRP’s Current Position
- ICRP has not indicated any revision of dose limits for workers or the public.
- However, there may be consideration of defining a very low-dose threshold below which regulatory control may not be required.
- This signals possible refinement, not abandonment, of the current framework.
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India’s Approach
- Based on international standards recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
- India’s Emphasises lies upon:
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- Justification
- Optimisation (ALARA principle)
- Dose limitation
Laws in India Dealing with Radiation Risk
- Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act (CLNDA), 2010:
- The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLND Act) was enacted in India in 2010.
- It establishes liability for nuclear accidents and ensures compensation for victims.
- Operator Liability: The CLNDA provides for strict and no-fault liability on the operator of the nuclear plant, where it will be held liable for damage regardless of any fault on its part.
- Operator’s is liabile for nuclear catastrophes up to ₹1,500 crore, which requires insurance or financial security.
- In case the damage claims exceed ₹1,500 crore, the government has to step in.
- Supplier Liability: Unlike international norms where only operators are held responsible, the CLNDA first introduced the concept of supplier liability over and above that of the operator’s liability.
- Time Limit: The CLNDA 2010 imposed a time limit of 10 years for property damage and 20 years for personal injury, for filing compensation claims.
- It was enacted following concerns raised in Parliament over the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984).
- The Act faced some criticism from nuclear suppliers concerned about liability provisions.
- Proposed Amendments: Cap compensation claims against suppliers to the contract value (instead of unlimited liability).
- Atomic Energy Act (AEA), 1962:
- The Atomic Energy Act governs nuclear energy development in India, allowing only government-controlled operations with limited private sector participation.
- In 2019, an insurance pool of Rs. 1,500 crores was set up to cover liability risks, but it failed to attract foreign investors.
- Proposed Amendments:
- Allow private sector participation: Private companies could build, own, and operate nuclear reactors (currently limited to NPCIL/BHAVINI).
- Independent regulator: Separate Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) from Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to ensure autonomy.
- State monopoly: Only government-owned NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd) can operate nuclear plants.
23 Feb 2026
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