FUTURE PROGRAMME

The present penalty provisions in the Act need amendment. Independence of regulation from promotional activities requires consideration. A national seminar has been planned for February 2001 to discuss the survey findings and other key legal issues to enable the development of a realistic and meaningful programme. Specific guides for specific practices have to be prepared in the national language for better understanding and compliance. The present database and documentation system will be reviewed and strengthened.

61 INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION

The BSS are a good example of international co-operation and collaboration to harmonize radiological safety and protection issues on a realistic and pragmatic footing. Legal and regulatory systems have existed in most countries for a considerable period. Nonetheless, accidents have happened in the past and also this year. The consequences may easily cross State borders and affect other countries. Orphan sources and illicit trafficking of radioactive and nuclear materials are global concerns. Collective dose resulting from practices should be questioned in relation to justification and optimization. The perception of safety and protection requires reassessment as the world is real, and the resources are limited in a competing demand scenario. International interaction and collaboration will help to address these issues. Developing countries like Bangladesh need international support and co-operation to strengthen regulatory regimes. The IAEA’s efforts are contributing positively to this end.

CONCLUSION

Bangladesh wants to achieve safety standards compatible with the BSS requirements. To accomplish this goal, adequate financial and administrative support to train and motivate the concerned persons and to create the necessary infrastructure and facilities will be required. An economically challenged country like Bangladesh has competing priorities and, as such, it will take long and concerted efforts to achieve the regulatory objectives. Performance has to be judged from the perspective of a developing country with due consideration to the politico-economic and cultural norms.

The regulatory regime is continuously evolving with changing perceptions and attitudes, new scientific knowledge and technological inventions and innovations. The system should respond to the evolving situation. Strong political will, support of the concerned authorities, provision of adequate funds, qualified personnel and logistics are necessary. The support and co-operation of organizations like the IAEA and WHO will help to accelerate the process.

At the threshold of the new millennium, we hope that we shall be able to eliminate the major weaknesses and ensure desired safety and protection relating to peaceful uses of nuclear energy and beneficial radiological practices. This is needed to make a better and safer world for us and for posterity.

REFERENCES

[1] NSRC Act No. 21 of 1993, Bangladesh Gazette Extraordinary, dated 22^nd July 1993.

[2] NSRC Rules – 97 (SRO No. 205 – Law/97), Bangladesh Gazette, Extraordinary, dated 18^th September 1997.

[3] International Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources, IAEA SS No. 115, IAEA (Vienna), 1996.

[4] Sources and effects of Ionizing Radiation – UNSCEAR 1993 Report.

62

IAEA-CN-84/10 RADIATION PROTECTION IN BOLIVIA

A.A. MIRANDA CUADROS

Radiation Protection Center, Bolivian Institute of Science and Nuclear Technology, La Paz, Bolivia

Abstract. Radiation protection in Bolivia has gone through a number of stages. Initially, in the 1970s, the focus was mainly on the analysis of environmental sources resulting from the nuclear tests carried out by France in the Pacific Ocean. Subsequently, the focus switched somewhat to radiation protection in connection with the mining of uranium and in the area of public health. During the third stage, radiation protection in other areas became important as the use of radiation sources was introduced. Finally, during the present — fourth — stage, radiation protection regulations are being introduced and mechanisms for the control of radiation sources are being established.

INTRODUCTION

The use of nuclear technology is increasing as a consequence of knowledge of the benefits that this technology can bring. At the same time, more and more information about the risks associated with its use is being acquired, and this has highlighted the need for structures that ensure the safe use of ionizing radiation.

In Bolivia the use of radiation sources is not very widespread, although the number of areas where nuclear techniques have been introduced is growing. Health is an area where radiation sources are important, for both diagnosis and therapy. In industry, radioactive materials and irradiation equipment are being used. Other areas include livestock rearing, agriculture, environmental studies, scientific research and oil prospecting, although the amounts of radioactive material used are small.

Hence the need for a national authority responsible for ensuring that ionizing radiation is used safely and possessing the necessary means.

BACKGROUND

In Bolivia, research in the nuclear area — with the emphasis on nuclear physics — began in the 1970s, when the Comisión Boliviana de Energía Nuclear (the Bolivian Nuclear Energy Commission – COBOEN) was established. The nuclear tests carried out by France in the Pacific Ocean caused attention to focus especially on the consequences which those tests might have, and the first environmental monitors, air samplers etc. were set up for the purpose of evaluating the impact of the French tests.

In the light of the experience acquired, a Radiation Protection Division was created within COBOEN, but with very limited facilities and staff, and it grew very little in subsequent years as COBOEN had other priorities; between 1975 and 1982 the focus was on radiation protection in the mining of uranium, without much attention paid to other areas.

Only since 1983, when the Instituto Boliviano de Ciencias y Tecnología Nuclear (the Bolivian Institute of Science and Nuclear Technology – IBTEN) was established, has real importance been attached to radiation protection, both within IBTEN and at other institutes, especially ones working in the health area.

63 A radiation protection law establishing a regulatory authority was passed in October 1982, and by 1997 the regulatory authority had drafted ten radiation protection regulations. However, these were not adopted until this year. They confirm IBTEN as the regulatory authority.

DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION OF THE RADIATION PROTECTION LAW