In this symposium, after introducing the goals and motivation for the conference, we plan to review the history of how the present radiation standards were developed, and assess the pros and cons of the current situation. We will then look at scientific advances over the last several decades considering both radiation biology and radiation epidemiology, critique these advances, and ascertain from the registrants if, considering the unintended consequences of today’s standards, there is sufficient interest to support actively pursuing upgrades for low-dose radiation protection standards. Assuming there is a general consensus to develop upgrades, our focus will shift to how that goal is to be accomplished, with clear checks along the pathway to assure that the upgrades are developed in a timely manner. This latter component may be the most significant consequence of the conference, as previous attempts such as the Wingspread and Arlie conferences of the late 1990s were unsuccessful in that regard.
