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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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Deep Space: The new frontier of radiation controls
In commercial nuclear power, there has always been a deliberate tension between the regulator and the utility owner. The regulator fundamentally exists to protect the worker, and the utility, to make a profit. It is a win-win balance.
From the U.S. nuclear industry has emerged a brilliantly successful occupational nuclear safety record—largely the result of an ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) process that has driven exposure rates down to what only a decade ago would have been considered unthinkable. In the U.S. nuclear industry, the system has accomplished an excellent, nearly seamless process that succeeds to the benefit of both employee and utility owner.
Plenary Session|Sponsored by ANS
Wednesday, November 18, 2020|10:00–11:30AM EST
You've probably heard the expression, "Perception is reality." Similarly, one's concept of risk is significantly affected by personal experience and knowledge. One of the most misunderstood aspects of nuclear is radiation. So, what's the best way to communicate about the risk of low-dose radiation (levels to which we regulate) with non-scientists/engineers? What do we know and what would we like to know about the effects of low-dose radiation? How do we get from the latest studies on the effects low-dose radiation to applying the results of that study to dose regulation? What changes can be made to radiation protection practices based on what we know now? In particular, what should or could ANS do? How does our understanding of risk in the nuclear industry impact our practices and performance? What are the next steps toward increasing our understanding of low-dose radiation effects and improving the implementation of what we know? Panelist experts will address these questions, with plenty of time for audience Q&A.
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