The importance of deriving adequate wildlife benchmark values to optimize radiological protection in various environmental exposure situations. (January 2020) - Real, Almudena
Abstract: The actions to be taken to demonstrate that the environment is adequately protected against the detrimental effects of ionising radiation, and if needed to protect it, must be commensurate with the overall level of risk to non-human biota. To judge the level of risk, the estimated dose rates absorbed by animals and plants need to be compared with dose criteria, a benchmark or reference value. A variety of aspects will influence the final value of the derived benchmark, including: the aim of the application of the benchmark, the protection goals of the assessment, the data on radiation-induced biological effects considered, and the methodology used. Benchmark values have been proposed by several international organizations (UNSCEAR, ICRP, IAEA), countries (USA, Canada) and research projects (ERICA, PROTECT), for different application purposes and protection goals and using a variety of methodologies. This paper describes the aspects that need to be considered in the derivation of numerical benchmarks, the approaches used by different organizations and the benchmark values they have proposed for the radiation protection of the environment. The benchmark values proposed are compared with the dose-rates at which radiation-induced biological effects have been described in animals and plants. Highlights: Benchmark values are useful to optimize radiation protection of the environment. When deriving benchmark values, a variety of aspects need to be considered. Lowest benchmark values proposed by different groups are broadly comparable (0.1–1 mGy d −1 ). Some laboratory or field data on radiation-induced effects challenge the benchmarks proposed.