Overview of ICRP Committee 1: radiation effects

Ann ICRP. 2016 Jun;45(1 Suppl):9-16. doi: 10.1177/0146645315614497. Epub 2015 Dec 3.

Abstract

This paper does not necessarily reflect the views of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The author passed away on 13 November 2015.Committee 1 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) addresses issues pertinent to tissue reactions, risks of cancer and heritable diseases, radiation dose responses, effects of dose rate, and radiation quality. In addition, it reviews data on the effects of radiation on the embryo/fetus, genetic factors in radiation response, and uncertainties in providing judgements on radiation-induced health effects. Committee 1 advises the Main Commission on the biological basis of radiation-induced health effects, and how epidemiological, experimental, and theoretical data can be combined to make quantitative judgements on health risks to humans. The emphasis is on low radiation doses, in the form of detriment-adjusted nominal risk coefficients, where there are considerable uncertainties in terms of the biology and the epidemiology. Furthermore, Committee 1 reviews data from radiation epidemiology studies and publications on the molecular and cellular effects of ionising radiation relevant to updating the basis of the 2007 Recommendations published in ICRP Publication 103 This paper will provide an overview of the activities of Committee 1, the updated work of the Task Groups and Working Parties, and the future activities being pursued.

Keywords: Committee 1; Low dose radiation; Nominal risk coefficients; Stochastic effects; Tissue reactions.

MeSH terms

  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation*
  • Humans
  • International Agencies / legislation & jurisprudence
  • International Agencies / organization & administration*
  • Radiation Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Radiation Protection / standards*
  • Radiation, Ionizing*
  • Risk Assessment