Radiological management in nuclear accidents

Nuclear energy offers the opportunity of meeting a significant contribution in diverse electricity portfolio of many countries. However, like many other technological achievements it suffers from the potential of probable accidents which are capable of doing harm to human beings and the environment. Therefore, emergency planning to encounter nuclear accidents including preparatory plans for operators, rescue teams and the general public is indispensable. Radiation protection optimization along with some personal dose limitations on the basis of reference levels plays a crucial role in emergency response actions. Exposure pathways, potentially exposed groups of people as well as radiation field specifications are of main concern in this regard. In the first stage, primary assessment of the accident and required actions to constrain the outcomes are the main task. Radiation monitoring and estimation of radiation doses onsite and offsite along with the determination of the type and levels of released radioactive materials are also considered in this stage. Radiological management strategies are then drawn on the basis of potential doses and specified reference levels. Radionuclides dispersion through potential pathways is then assessed followed by execution of emergency plan. Special care should be taken in communicating sensitive information to the public. Further stages would include mid-term and long-term plans to decrease collective doses as much as possible and to assess the rehabilitation programs.