A recurring dialectic: from the dangers to the risks of exposure to ionizing radiation

The notions of danger and risk are often confused. Although they are closely related, they cover different realities, whether in the field of natural and technological hazards or in other areas. This is also true in the field of radiation protection. What's more, these two concepts evolve over time in line with changes in society and social perceptions of risk. These developments have consequences for the radiation protection system, which need to be taken into account in risk studies and in the current reflections on the evolution of the ICRP's general recommendations.