Radioecology and Society: A mutual need

Abstract

Radioecology is defined as the study of the behaviour and effects of ionising radiations and radionuclides in the environment. Until recently, ecosystems were only considered in radioecology as an intermediate compartment between the source of radiation and man.

Interest in the effects of ionising radiation and radionuclides on the environment has recently increased because of the surge in the public awareness concerning the different sources of pollution of the environment and their effects on human health, the evolution of paradigm by the ICRP concerning the radiation protection of the environment, and the increase in our knowledge in that specific field of research. Radioecology is now a mature scientific domain which is standing on its own feet. Its maturity can be assessed in different domains: (i) Education: with the appearance and development of masters in Radioecology worldwide, it is becoming a proper teaching domain in Higher Education; (ii) networks of excellence: international collaboration are initiated all over the world; (iii) Regulation: radiation protection of the environment is becoming a major point of concern along with the radiation protection of the public worldwide (ICRP, IAEA, IUR,…) and more specifically in the European Union; (iv) Public concern: the public mind is now open for and in an urgent need for more information about the implications of human activities, and among them those producing and releasing ionising radiations and radionuclides, on his own environment and health, i.e. on his personal feeling of well-being.