Modelling the exposure of wildlife to radiation: key findings and activities of IAEA working groups

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) established the Biota Working Group (BWG) as part of its Environmental Modelling for Radiation Safety (EMRAS) programme in 2004 (http://www-ns.iaea.org/projects/emras/emras-biota-wg.htm). At that time both the IAEA and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) were addressing environmental protection (i.e. protection of non-human biota or wildlife) within the on-going revisions to the Basic Safety Standards and Recommendations respectively. Furthermore, some countries (e.g. the USA, UK) were already conducting assessments in accordance with national guidelines. Consequently, a number of assessment frameworks/models had been or were being developed. The BWG was established recognising these developments and the need to improve Member State’s capabilities with respect to protection of the environment from ionizing radiation. The work of the BWG was continued within the IAEA’s EMRAS II programme by the Biota Modelling Group (http://wwwns. iaea.org/projects/emras/emras2/working-groups/working-group-four.asp).