Publication Laka-library:
International Chernobyl Project. Radiological Consequences in the USSR of the Chernobyl accident. Volume III
| Author | IAEA |
| Date | May 1991 |
| Classification | 2.34.8.10/27 (CHERNOBYL ACCIDENT - CONSEQUENCES SURROUNDINGS - GENERAL) |
| Front | 
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From the publication:
UNEDITED VERSION NOT TO BE QUOTED, REFERENCED OR REPRODUCED PART G G. Radiation Protection Measures G.1. Introduction One of the main objectives of the International Chernobyl Project was to conduct an independent evaluation of the protective measures taken or proposed since the accident, in particular those taken to ensure that people in the affected areas could continue to live there "safely". As indicated in Part B, "safety" and its derivatives, "safe, safely", are complex concepts. In common language they convey a sense of freedom from danger. In technical language, however, the terms are used to help formulate effective methods of preventing or minimising harm. The difference between these two meanings has caused many problems of interpretation in the past and, indeed, was found to be one of the more difficult issues to be addressed in the affected areas. It has to be recognised that total freedom from risk, or absolute safety, is impossible to achieve even in everyday life. Decisions on the introduction of protective measures are complex in that they require a balance to be made among a number of conflicting objectives. In the simplest of cases such decisions are complex and, inevitably, will be open to criticism and challenge because value judgements will often be implicit in the process. Given the unprecedented scale and the extent over which protective measures had to be taken following the Chernobyl accident, it is hardly surprising that there has been much debate and disagreement over the measures taken. The continuing need to take measures several years after the accident has exacerbated these difficulties; it has provided the opportunity for continuing debate of the issue among various groups with diverse interests which in turn may have led to increased anxiety among those affected. The politicisation of the issue in the more recent past, together with the changes underway in the Soviet political and economic system, have added to the difficulty of achieving consensus in the Soviet Union on this topic.
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