The revision is aimed at improving the protection of workers and the general public against ionising radiation as well as medical radiation protection. Within the responsible European Council Committee, EU member states agreed on an indicative draft directive. The draft is based on the latest scientific findings and will ensure a comprehensive protection against radiation.
For decades German radiation protection legislation has been subjected to European directives which guarantee a high level of protection. During negotiations the Federal Environment Ministry made a major contribution towards ensuring that the level of protection was maintained and improved in those instances where deficits had been found, as was the case, for instance, in the field of natural radiation. The Federal Environment Ministry and its European partners have provided for a sound general radiation protection based on the latest scientific findings. At the same time the draft leaves member states with the necessary leeway for domestic measures.
Major new provisions, also based on German negotiating positions, include:
- improved radiation protection against the natural presence of radioactive substances which under certain circumstances can pose a risk to human health;
- measures including an action plan for the protection against radon, a naturally present inert gas which can cause lung cancer;
- provisions to regulate radiological pollution legacies;
- detailed provisions for contingency plans and better cooperation among member states to harmonise action in case of emergencies;
- clear provisions for medical x-ray check-ups to prevent unnecessary x-ray examinations.
The successful conclusion of negotiations is a first step towards a new EU-wide radiation legislation. The European Parliament is expected to submit its comments on the draft directive by September this year and the Council is subsequently expected to adopt the directive this autumn. Member states will then have to transpose the directive into national law within four years. The Federal Environment Ministry will use this opportunity to simplify German radiation protection legislation during the next parliamentary term and enhance its enforceability.