Software module for radiological protection of the public

The article presents the newly-developed software module “PM ROSA-N” for radiological protection of the public. The software was designed for calculating radiation risks for people living close to nuclear power facilities and enterprises using radioactive materials or sources of ionizing radiation. When selecting the methodology authors followed current recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). Evaluation of internal radiation doses is based on dose factors derived from the data of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The authors present the application of the “PM ROSA-N” for estimating lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of cancer mortality for the general public living near the facilities of the Pilot-demonstration energy complex, the new generation of the power system (“Proryv” (Breakthrough) Project). Estimates obtained with the use of the software module show considerable, tenfold, reduction of radiation risk in relation to age at radiation exposure; it varies from 2.1´10-7 for children under 10 years to 1.96´10-8 in the age group of 70-79 years. The risk estimate averaged by age and sex is 1.00´10-7, it is two times less than the estimate obtained with the use of risk nominal coefficient 1.99´10-7, given in the Russian radiation safety standards (NRB-99/2009). The results obtained show that the newly developed software module the “PM ROSA-N” is the new tool that ensures well-founded radiation safety of the public living close to nuclear power facilities with reference to the current international safety standards. The software module ROSA-N, that provides justification of safety and protective measures for the public in response to radionuclides emission, governs its economic efficiency and importance. The module can be used for estimating risk for any person living in the close proximity to a nuclear facility. It corresponds to the current enforcement practice used in the developed countries.