ABSTRACT
In the field of radiation protection, a cancer risk coefficient is defined as an estimate of the probability, per unit intake or unit exposure, of cancer incidence or mortality. The purpose of radionuclide and pathway-specific cancer risk coefficients is to estimate the number of individuals expected to develop cancer in a population as a result of exposures to radionuclides. The uses for risk coefficients include performing baseline site risk assessments, setting risk-based remediation goals, selecting among various remediation options, demonstrating compliance with risk-based regulations, and performing cost-benefit studies. Calculations based on these coefficients for the risk of chronic lifelong exposures are only valid for populations with similar mortality and/or morbidity rates. Risk management considerations, such as technical feasibility, cost effectiveness, and community acceptance, are factored into the final risk goal. Lifetime risks for external radionuclide exposures are calculated in a manner similar to that for radionuclide intakes.
