Radiation risk in the problem of safety assurance

Some approaches have been proposed regarding the problem of radiation protection of humans and the environment, based on comparing risks of different nature. Consideration has been given to the conceptions and interrelationships between the categories of hazard, safety and risk. An approach to risk assessment is discussed deriving from the probabilistic measure of stability in complicated systems, this measure being determined by distribution functions for exposure and system sensitivity. Radiation risk estimates among populations in extreme situations due to radiation accidents are given as examples. The estimated radiation risk levels are compared with those from the natural radiation background and with the total risk of everyday life. The information presented may be useful for shaping up the adequate perception about real and hypothetical risks, for resolving some contradictions in their evaluation and for better understanding of their relative significance.