Health Risks from Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation

BEIR VII develops the most up-to-date and comprehensive risk estimates for cancer and other health effects from exposure to low-level ionizing radiation. It is among the first reports of its kind to include detailed estimates for cancer incidence in addition to cancer mortality. In general, BEIR VII supports previously reported risk estimates for cancer and leukemia, but the availability of new and more extensive data have strengthened confidence in these estimates. A comprehensive review of available biological and biophysical data supports a "linear-no-threshold" (LNT) risk model?that the risk of cancer proceeds in a linear fashion at lower doses without a threshold and that the smallest dose has the potential to cause a small increase in risk to humans. The report is from the Board on Radiation Research Effects that is now part of the newly formed Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board. Table of Contents Front Matter Public Summary & Executive Summary 1 Background Information 2 Molecular and Cellular Responses to Ionizing Radiation 3 Radiation-Induced Cancer: Mechanisms, Quantitative Experimental Studies and the Role of Genetic Factors 4 Heritable Genetic Effects of Radiation in Human Populations 5 Background for Epidemiologic Methods 6 Atomic Bomb Survivor Studies 7 Medical Radiation Studies 8 Occupational Radiation Studies 9 Environmental Radiation Studies 10 Integration of Biology and Epidemiology 11 Risk Assessment Models and Methods 12 Estimating Cancer Risk 13 Summary and Research Needs Appendix A: Basic Biological and Genetic Concepts Appendix B: Commetary on "Radiation from Medical Procedures in the Pathogenesis of Cancer and Ischemic Heart Disease: Dose-Response Studies with Physicians per 100,000 Populations" Appendix C: Issues Raised by the Institute for Energy and Environment Research (IEER) Appendix D: Hormesis Appendix E: Fifteen-Country Workers Study References Glossary Committee Biographies Index