Radioactivity
The effects of low level radiation, and in particular the effects of internal radioactive emitters, on human health are hotly debated. What is clear is that the safety standards governing radiation exposure have been growing increasingly rigid as our understanding of radiation has increased. However, powerful vested interests and pro-nuclear lobby groups continue to make this a challenging area to campaign on.
Download the 2004 UK CERRIE Report (Committee Examing the Risks of Internal Radioactive Emitters)
Tougher action is needed to allow for new information about the risks from internal radiation. Uncertainties about the risks mean that in some cases we might be exposed to 10 times the risk previously thought, while in other cases the risk may be almost zero. Uncertainties in current methods of estimating risks from internal radiation require policy makers and regulators to adopt a precautionary approach when dealing with exposures to internal radiation, according to a Report published today by the Committee Examining Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters (CERRIE).2 October 2006 - ICBUWRadiation Dosimetry: Why Internal Emitters Are Different
When ionising radiation passes through biological tissue it generates reactive chemical species, which may subsequently interact with crucial biochemical processes and generate adverse biological effects. The science of radiation dosimetry seeks to relate these biological outcomes to the radiation energy absorbed by the tissues, the so-called absorbed dose.28 September 2006 - ICBUW