A review on nuclear emergency preparedness and response management

Emergency preparedness and response (EPR) are essential to protect the public health and environmental safety in the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency. In the paper, the fundamental concepts, framework and methods for nuclear and radiological emergency management are reviewed from a comprehensive perspective. Prior to the emergency classifications, the organizational framework, responsibilities and initiative programs especially undertaken by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is literally introduced. Then the generic principles for classification of emergency planning zones (EPZ) and emergency action levels (EALs) are in detail discussed as a basis for the planning of protective actions that the national authorities and international agencies need to perform during a nuclear or radiological emergency. Meanwhile, the methodologies and tools used for radionuclides release, transport, dispersion and deposition, dose assessment are also systematically investigated and compared to provide a guide for practitioner’s research and vision in emergency preparedness planning. Finally, the major challenges and development trends associated with emergency preparedness and response are prospected with the revolution of edge artificial intelligence (AI-driven) solutions to leverage collaborative perception and risk-informed decision making in nuclear and radiological emergency management.