problems of waste disposal some years ago; this would, of course, include effluents from
power reactors. Special reference should be made to the Joint Committee hearings in
1960 and 1962 on Radiation Protection Criteria. It is in this set of hearings that you will
find a complete collection of background information on the whole philosophy of
radiation protection and radiation protection organization.
2-16. NATIONAL COUNCIL ON RADIATION PROTECTION AND MEASUREMENTS
a. Throughout the Joint Committee hearings, continued attention was drawn to
the protection standards and work of the NCRPM. With the establishment of the Federal
Radiation Council in 1959, there was a fear by some people that this would preempt the
only nationally recognized radiation protection body that was not under Government
control. Because of this, Representative Holifield, then Chairman of the Joint Committee
on Atomic Energy, introduced a bill to give the NCRPM a Federal charter that would
recognize its capability in the field and help to set it clearly apart from the Government.
It is, in fact, something that the Council is extremely proud of, even though it does not
vest it in any official position, special privilege, or special authority. Neither does it make
the work of the organization, in any way, subject to Government control.
b. At the present time, the NCRPM is made up of 65 elected members, of which
nine are further elected to act as a Board of Directors. In addition, it has over 250
members at any one time who participate in the work of its 50 scientific committees,
covering just about every aspect of radiation protection and measurement. The
organization now has its own secretariat and offices and is funded from a variety of
sources, including some Government contracts, foundation support, and annual
contributions from some 25 scientific organizations in this country.
c. Studies, usually aimed toward a published report, are generated mainly by
recommendations by the members and they, in turn, try to be responsive to current
needs. In a few instances, a specific study has been undertaken because of an outside
request.
d. Reports prepared by standing or ad hoc committees are examined first by
"critical reviewers," NCRPM members most knowledgeable in the area concerned. They
are then submitted to the entire elected council for review and approval or rejection.
e. There are many and varied problems centered about the control of radiation
exposure of workers or the general public. In 1953, in anticipation of these problems,
the NCRPM began a study of radiation control by legislative and regulatory means and a
report on the subject was published in 1955. It has formed the main pattern for Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, state, and local regulations ever since.
2-17. DEPARTMENT OF ARMY RADIATION PROTECTION PROGRAM
Army programs are largely based on the recommendations and guidance of
various advisory councils, Federal agencies, and Federal law. There are many
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