epr-method (2003) - IAEA Publications - International Atomic Energy ...

4.2.10. Taking agricultural and longer term protective action (A10 elements)
Response objectives:
(1) To take agricultural countermeasures and longer-term protective actions in compliance with international standards (4.85).
(2) To manage radioactive waste and contamination appropriately (4.86).
(3) To discontinue protective actions when assessments show that they are no longer justified (4.87).
A10 - TAKING AGRICULTURAL COUNTERMEASURES, COUNTERMEASURES AGAINST
INGESTION AND LONGER TERM PROTECTIVE ACTION
Threat category
Responsibility
Elements I II III IV V O L N
81
A10.1 Establish national intervention levels and action levels for agricultural countermeasures,
countermeasures against ingestion and long term protective actions that are in compliance with
international standards, modified to take account of local and national conditions, such as:
(1) the individual and collective dose to be averted by the intervention; and
(2) the radiological and non-radiological health risks and the financial and social costs and benefits
associated with the intervention (4.88).
Scientifically based recommendations for implementing countermeasures should be accompanied by an
explanation that enables the public and decision makers to understand them, reasonably consider them
and explain them to the other stakeholders. The explanation must make it clear to people that it ensures
their “safety” and that of all other family members, including unborn children. Therefore, along with the
criteria there should be a common language statement defining “safe”. This explanation should be tested
on representative members of the intended audience. This should include arrangements to respond, as
outlined in Appendix 7, to radiological emergencies involving accidental or intentional contamination of
the food, water or products.
The international guidance (GILs and GALs) reproduced in Appendix 1 for relocation, resettlement and
foodstuff restrictions is for a large release involving rural areas where alternative food supplies are
available. Make provisions to adjust the criteria if alternative food is not available and to adopt higher
relocation GILs for contamination of large metropolitan areas or other conditions where relocation may
have a significant social or psychological impact.