Application of the Radiological Protection System to the Management of Areas Contaminated by Past Activities

This article provides a summary of the work of the International Commission on Radiological Protection Task Group 98 (ICRP, 2026) dedicated to the management of radiation exposures associated with areas contaminated by past activities. It addresses the protection of workers, the public and the environment in contaminated areas, where radioactivity is present because of past human activities. Exposures in the post-accidental phase after a nuclear emergency were not considered since they are addressed in Publication 146 (ICRP, 2020). The Task Group considered a set of case studies to ensure consistency between the Commission’s approach and operational experience. The Task Group recommends a graded approach to be applied: the level of effort to address the situation should be commensurate with the level of risk, taking account of prevailing circumstances. Experience highlights, among other aspects, that radiological contaminants are often associated with non-radiological hazards. The Task Group thus recommends an integrated and all-hazards approach to protection. Early, broad, and ongoing stakeholders’ involvement is central to designing and implementing a sustainable remediation strategy.