The concept of the effective dose: A proposal for the combination of organ doses.

Irradiation of the human body by external or internal sources leads mostly to a simultaneous exposure of several organs. However, so far, no clear and consistent recommendations for the combination of organ doses and the assessment of an exposure limit under such irradiation conditions are available. One possible concept for the combination of organ doses is discussed. This concept is based on the assumption that at low doses the total radiation detriment to the exposed person is given by the sum of radiation detriments to the single organs. Taking into account a linear dose risk relationship, the sum of weighted organ doses leads to the definition of an 'Effective Dose'. The applicability and consequences of this 'Effective Dose Concept' are discussed, with particular regard to the assessment of the maximum permissible intake of radionuclides into the human body and the combination of external and internal exposure