Summation of the International Conference on Radiation and Health: radiobiology viewpoint

The idea to hold an international conference on radiation and health arose as a natural response to the mounting evidence of serious health effects on populations resulting from the Chernobyl accident. The nature of the Chernobyl accident, where large amounts of radioactive nuclides spread in the reactor area and all over Europe, dictated the emphasis of the presented papers covering both direct radiation effects and effects of radioactive contaminants on large populations. In addition to classical radiobiologic studies of the effects of radiation on cells, organs, humans and their environment, basic studies of DNA damage and repair, the possibility to enhance and repair, and studies of radioprotectors, emphasis was directed at the effects of radiation on large populations and at the inaccuracy of dosimetry. The lack of accurate physical dosimetry resulted in the need to develop new methods of biological dosimetry. Health effects as a result of Chernobyl were expressed in many disorders, some not recognized before as radiation effects, and many related to psychosocial behavioral symptoms. Special emphasis was given to the plight of liquidators who were exposed while carrying out cleanup operations around the reactor and to the observed increase in thyroid cancer among area inhabitants. All of the observations and results were taken into consideration when discussing and proposing appropriate health policies based on risk analysis and the observed phenomena.