Radiation protection at U.S. nuclear power plants--today and tomorrow.

The nuclear power industry work ethic and culture is founded on learning from experience and continuously finding ways to improve performance--especially in regard to radiation safety. Over the past 25 y, this process of continuous improvement has yielded exceptional results in regard to radiation protection of workers, the public and the environment. In light of the resurgence of nuclear energy in the United States, the nuclear power industry is developing strategies to achieve continuous improvements to performance and address emerging challenges in the area of radiation protection.

United States nuclear industry perspective on useful improvements to radiation protection principles.

The current radiation protection framework provides an adequate basis for protecting workers, the public and the environment. Nevertheless, international and national radiation protection organizations are presently engaged in updating, clarifying and enhancing radiation protection principles-and rightly so, given our culture of pursuing excellence in radiation safety through a process of continuous improvement. Accordingly, the nuclear energy industry appreciates the opportunity to provide its perspective on this effort.