Health Risks from Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation

Addresses the effects of exposure to low dose LET (Linear Energy Transfer) ionizing radiation and human health. This work includes detailed risk estimates for cancer incidence in addition to cancer mortality. It also develops comprehensive risk estimates for cancer and other health effects from exposure to low-level 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