A Challenge to Scientific Risk Estimation on Health Effects of Low Dose Radiation.

Chairs: Tetsuya Ono and Takehiko Nohmi

Risk estimation of low dose ionizing radiation on human health effects is now based on the assumption because there is no scientific evidence.  The assumption, however, leaves many problems, such as uncertainty in permissible dose for public as well as radiation-workers, economic burden for following temporary rules, anxiety about accidental exposure and medical radiation treatment, etc.

These problems will be solved only by scientific approaches to evaluate the effects of low dose radiation.  Two years ago, we started a new 5-year project to study biological responses to low dose radiation.  In the session we are planning to introduce our latest findings in the field including computer modeling of DNA damage-repair processes.  Epidemiological study on the people living in the high background radiation area in China will also be introduced.  We wish to discuss on the subject through the session.