Lessons learned from radiation biology: Health effects of low levels of exposure to ionizing radiation on humans regarding the Fukushima accident

DOI Web Site 1 Citations
  • Shimura Tsutomu
    Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health
  • Yamaguchi Ichiro
    Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health
  • Terada Hiroshi
    Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health
  • Kunugita Naoki
    Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 放射線生物学から学ぶ低線量放射線による人の健康影響について

Search this article

Abstract

<p>Herein we summarize the important issues for radiation health effects on humans based on the reliable scientific literature. Radiation effects are categorized “tissue reactions” and “stochastic effects”. The former are previously called “deterministic effects” which have a threshold below which the effect does not occur. The tissues and organs-threshold doses of local exposure has been estimated at around 100 mSv for fetal abnormalities, temporary infertility of the male and 120~200 mSv for severe mental retardation among the atomic bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki who were exposed in utero. Whole body irradiation >1000 mGy causes acute radiation syndrome (ARS), including erythema, nausea, vomit, headache, diarrhea, fever and confusion. On the other hand, stochastic effects consist of cancer and genetic effects. Cancer risks for human exposure to radiation are estimated by epidemiological study among the atomic bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Radiation risks below around 100 mSv are not capable to be estimated directly from this epidemiological data. Although all the epidemiological data do not support the linear nonthreshold (LNT) model, the model is useful for the purpose of radiation protection but not for risk assessment. In order to understand radiation effects on humans, we explain the essential terms relative biological effectiveness, equivalent dose, effective dose, dose and dose-rate effectiveness factor in this manuscript.</p><p>We hope that this review paper facilitates the knowledge acquisition of the radiation effects on humans and may help administrative officers and public health nurses to implement public health actions against future nuclear disasters or radiological accidents.</p>

Journal

Citations (1)*help

See more

Related Projects

See more

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top