The Future of Low Dose Radiation Research in the United States

The Future of Low Dose Radiation Research in the United States

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2020-01-13

Total Pages: 143

ISBN-13: 030949771X

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Exposures at low doses of radiation, generally taken to mean doses below 100 millisieverts, are of primary interest for setting standards for protecting individuals against the adverse effects of ionizing radiation. However, there are considerable uncertainties associated with current best estimates of risks and gaps in knowledge on critical scientific issues that relate to low dose radiation. The Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board of the National Academies hosted the symposium on The Future of Low Dose Radiation Research in the United States on May 8 and 9, 2019. The goal of the symposium was to provide an open forum for a national discussion on the need for a long-term strategy to guide a low dose radiation research program in the United States. The symposium featured presentations on low dose radiation programs around the world, panel discussions with representatives from governmental and nongovernmental organizations about the need for a low dose radiation research program, reviews of low dose radiation research in epidemiology and radiation biology including new directions, and lessons to be learned from setting up large research programs in non-radiation research fields. This publication summarizes the presentation and discussion of the symposium.


Health Risks from Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation

Health Risks from Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation

Author: Committee to Assess Health Risks from Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2006-03-23

Total Pages: 422

ISBN-13: 0309133343

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This book is the seventh in a series of titles from the National Research Council that addresses the effects of exposure to low dose LET (Linear Energy Transfer) ionizing radiation and human health. Updating information previously presented in the 1990 publication, Health Effects of Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation: BEIR V, this book draws upon new data in both epidemiologic and experimental research. Ionizing radiation arises from both natural and man-made sources and at very high doses can produce damaging effects in human tissue that can be evident within days after exposure. However, it is the low-dose exposures that are the focus of this book. So-called “late” effects, such as cancer, are produced many years after the initial exposure. This book is among the first of its kind to include detailed risk estimates for cancer incidence in addition to cancer mortality. BEIR VII offers a full review of the available biological, biophysical, and epidemiological literature since the last BEIR report on the subject and develops the most up-to-date and comprehensive risk estimates for cancer and other health effects from exposure to low-level ionizing radiation.


Analysis of Cancer Risks in Populations Near Nuclear Facilities

Analysis of Cancer Risks in Populations Near Nuclear Facilities

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2012-06-29

Total Pages: 424

ISBN-13: 0309255716

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In the late 1980s, the National Cancer Institute initiated an investigation of cancer risks in populations near 52 commercial nuclear power plants and 10 Department of Energy nuclear facilities (including research and nuclear weapons production facilities and one reprocessing plant) in the United States. The results of the NCI investigation were used a primary resource for communicating with the public about the cancer risks near the nuclear facilities. However, this study is now over 20 years old. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission requested that the National Academy of Sciences provide an updated assessment of cancer risks in populations near USNRC-licensed nuclear facilities that utilize or process uranium for the production of electricity. Analysis of Cancer Risks in Populations near Nuclear Facilities: Phase 1 focuses on identifying scientifically sound approaches for carrying out an assessment of cancer risks associated with living near a nuclear facility, judgments about the strengths and weaknesses of various statistical power, ability to assess potential confounding factors, possible biases, and required effort. The results from this Phase 1 study will be used to inform the design of cancer risk assessment, which will be carried out in Phase 2. This report is beneficial for the general public, communities near nuclear facilities, stakeholders, healthcare providers, policy makers, state and local officials, community leaders, and the media.


Effects of Low Dose and Low Dose Rate Radiation

Effects of Low Dose and Low Dose Rate Radiation

Author: Oddvar F. Nygaard

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2013-10-22

Total Pages: 349

ISBN-13: 1483281833

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Advances in Radiation Biology, Volume 6: Effects of Low Dose and Low Dose Rate Radiation examines the biological effects of low dose and low dose rate ionizing radiation on a broad scale, covering various articles from microdosimetry to analyses of human responses. Estimates of the effects on humans from low doses or from sustained exposures to low dose rates of ionizing radiations are of critical importance for the assessment of radiation risks under occupational and environmental conditions. This book consists of such knowledge that is essential for radiation protection and governmental regulatory activities pertaining to radiation exposure. This volume is intended for radiobiologists, radiation epidemiologists, radiation physicists, radiation safety personnel, health officials, and individuals involved in regulatory activities.