Chemistry, Low Level Waste and Radiation Management January 2016

ISSUE STATEMENT

Improved understanding of radiation health risks is increas-ingly important for informing regulations and public per-ceptions, as well as informing decisions regarding continued operation of the global fleet of nuclear power plants, build-ing new plants, and decommissioning at end of life. In recent years, greater scrutiny has been placed on the potential radi-ation health risks associated with 1) the management of groundwater leakage at nuclear power plants, 2) the align-ment of worker and public exposures to more current global scientific standards, and 3) the management of radiological waste.

A dedicated research effort is needed to analyze the rapidly changing state of the science of low dose research so that understanding can be improved and more realistic risk mod-els can be developed. This improved understanding will pro-vide the technical basis for radiation protection decisions and communication to the public, regulators and other stakeholders.

DRIVERS

Global Performance StandardsRadiation protection standards need to be informed by the best available science to effectively protect the health of nuclear plant workers, the general public, and the environ-ment. Internationally, the International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) provides recommendations for radiation protection based on the review and interpretation of the basic science related to low dose health effects. The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measure-ments (NCRP) provides a similar function in the United States. These interpretations are primarily determined by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), the National Academies, and other orgainzations. The recommendations are trans-lated into standards by organizations such as the Interna-tional Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and national authori-ties such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States. The most recent international recommendations, published in 2007 (ICRP Publication 103), have been adopted by the IAEA, within the European Union (EU), and are being considered for regulatory adoption by the NRC and EPA. The ICRP has indicated that it will begin discussions for possible updates of recommendations

starting in 2016, and will take several years for deliberations. The NCRP is currently developing updated recommenda-tions, with an anticipated completion in 2017.

To enhance the scientific basis and credibility of any new or revised standards, it is important that national and interna-tional organizations be fully aware and informed about all available scientific evidence and potential technical interpre-tations. To effectively inform these efforts, EPRI studies should be performed by an independent, distinguished com-mittee of experts and the results published in peer reviewed journals.

Public Awareness

There are heightened public concerns about radiation risks in almost all areas of operation, including events involving groundwater leakage, emergency preparedness and response to large area contamination as a result of the Fukushima accident, and more generally, any radiological releases from nuclear power plants. Science-based information that more accurately conveys the risks from such radiological releases can be used in interactions with a wide variety of stakehold-ers concerned about radiation. The information can also help inform the recommendation and regulatory processes, and the associated public stakeholder interactions.

RESULTS IMPLEMENTATION

EPRI results will be used to inform the international com-mittees and regulatory bodies (e.g., ICRP, NCRP, IAEA, EU, NRC, EPA, etc) responsible for establishing radiation protection recommendations and standards. These organiza-tions will need to review the results within their processes and incorporate the EPRI concepts and recommendations as they deem appropriate. The technical content from the EPRI research can lead to operational radiation protection changes and inform radiation risk communication plans..

PROJECT PLAN

The EPRI Low Dose Research Program will perform research to 1) Inform regulatory policies governing radiation protection by putting forth modern interpretations of low dose risk models for consideration by the scientific commit-tees responsible for developing international standards for radiation safety (e.g., ICRP, UNSCEAR, BEIR VII, NCRP, etc); and 2) Support science-based communication of radia-tion risks to public stakeholders by providing the technical

IN USE: SCIENCE AND COMMUNICATION OF LOW DOSE RADIATION RISK

EPRI | Nuclear Sector Roadmaps January 2016

basis for standardized risk communication documents. The research program will achieve these goals by:• Publishing, in peer reviewed journals, first-of-a-kind

analyses of results from previously performed low dose animal studies and human studies, focusing on effects from low dose rates. The analysis of this key dataset for low dose rate effects will contribute to global scientific efforts to develop quantitative risk models that incorpo-rate low dose rate effects.

• Evaluating possible non-cancer effects seen at high doses on cardiovascular function, cataract formation, neuro-logical, pulmonary, and immune systems to determine the extent to which these non-cancer effects contribute to risk at low doses and low dose rates.

• Proposing, on the basis of EPRI sponsored work, alterna-tive, state of the art risk models that provide a range of possible dose and dose rate effectiveness factor (DDREF) values and uncertainties, and incorporate methodologies to combine knowledge in epidemiology with biologically based information to mechanistically understand radia-tion risks. Such a model may help inform future radiation safety recommendations. The results of this work will also be published in peer reviewed journals.

• Developing, using improved risk models and experience, best practice risk communication documents that are based on updated science in key areas (e.g., decommis-sioning, waste management, emergency preparedness, etc).

• Facilitating international dialogue and exchange of infor-mation on low dose research priorities and programs. Many organizations are involved in aspects of radiation research, but a collaborative framework for discussion across the international community would greatly enhance the cooperation and exchange of results to deliver information of use to recommendations, stardards devel-opment, and utility implementation.

The EPRI Program will use research results from domestic and internationally funded studies (e.g., CRIEPI, NCRP, MELODI, DOE Low Dose Program, and others as they are identified) and incorporate them (as appropriate) into the EPRI review. The EPRI program will be reviewed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee and an Indus-try Advisory Committee. Additionally, the program will seek international feedback and review of project develop-ments and subsequent publications.

RISK

There is a risk that even with the expanded datasets and new analysis, there may not be a sufficient, statistical basis for quantifying risk differences at very low doses and low dose rates. There is also a risk that the EPRI results may not lead to the adoption of radiation standards that most accurately reflect radiation risks. Additionally, failure of the industry to develop non standard risk communication may result in inconsistent messages and confusion that lead to decreased public confidence.

Chemistry, Low Level Waste and Radiation Management January 2016

RECORD OF REVISION

This record of revision will provide a high level summary of the major changes in the document and identify the Road-map Owner.

revision description of change

0 Original Issue: August 2011 Roadmap Owner: Phung Tran

1 Revision Issued: December 2011 Roadmap Owner: Phung Tran

Changes: Slight changes to content based to reflect radiation risk interests stemming from Fukushima. Flow chart modified to reflect funded work and updated timelines.

2 Revision Issued: August 2012 Roadmap Owner: Phung Tran

Changes: Slight changes to content based on current state of discussions regarding proposed study of cancer risk in populations living around nuclear facilities. Added an element to the research plan to evaluate non-cancer effects. Flow chart modified to reflect specific funded work, non-cancer elements, and updated timelines.

3 Revision Issued: December 2012 Roadmap Owner: Phung Tran

Changes: Updated flow chart to reflect scope changes in 2013 due to funding challenges.

4 Revision Issued: August 2013 Roadmap Owner: Phung Tran

Changes: Updated flow chart to reflect scope changes in 2013 and 2014 due to funding cuts.

5 Revision Issued: December 2013 Roadmap Owner: Phung Tran

Changes: Updated flow chart to reflect scope changes in 2013 and 2014 due to receiving emergent issues funding. Added more descriptive labels to boxes.

6 Revision Issued: August 2014 Roadmap Owner: Phung Tran

Changes: Added report number for a recently published EPRI document.

revision description of change

7 Revision Issued: August 2015 Roadmap Owner: Phung Tran

Changes: Updated flow chart to reflect updated scope based on funding.

8 Revision Issued: December 2015 Roadmap Owner: Donald A. Cool

Changes: Revision of focus areas and projects reflecting advice from Scientific Advisory Committee and Industry Advisory Committee, the completion of activities, and the introduction of new activities.

EPRI | Nuclear Sector Roadmaps January 2016