The paper summarizes basic radiation protection aspects important for risk communication to the public in the case of radiation/nuclear accidents or radiological attacks. The present system of radiation protection quantities and units, as well as the associated terminology, is too complicated for those who are not professionally engaged in the field but who need to have some basic understanding of how to protect themselves and others against the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Emphasis is placed on the education and training of members of the general public in order for them to acquire some basic understanding of radiation protection. This is important for achieving better cooperation and coordination between the public and the first responders as well as relevant authorities and stakeholders during radiation or nuclear emergency situations, where the main goal is the minimization of the consequences of such events in terms of personal exposure and the radioactive contamination of the environment.

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