ICRP Publication 45 : Quantitative Bases for Developing a Unified Index of Harm

In 1977, the International Commission on Radiological Protection issued "ICRP Publication 27: Problems Involved in Developing an Index of Harm".

That report discussed the difficulties of making an appropriate comparison of radiation and other effects and suggested a quantitative index to take account of the length of life or full activity lost as a result of occupational causes.

This new report substantially extends the scope of "ICRP Publication 27", by including new data on occupational accident risks as well as a consideration of radiation-induced non-fatal cancers, non-stochastic effects and hereditary detriment.

An appendix discussing assessments of detriment in sections of the general public due to exposure to ionising radiation is also included.