The use of estimates of collective dose to the public

Abstract

Collective dose is described as a measure of the total detriment associated with a specific source or practice, and the collective doses resulting from a number of sources have been assessed. However, the interpretation and use of such estimates, for example in making decisions, has been the subject of much debate. This paper reconsiders collective dose and explores the concerns relating to the use of collective dose estimates that are made up of low levels of individual dose, or extend over long periods of time into the future and are delivered to different populations. Practical solutions are advanced to deal with long timescales with the aim of providing more robust estimates of long-term population detriment for decision making.