Latest Knowledge on Radiological Effects: Radiation Health Effects of Atomic Bomb Explosions and Nuclear Power Plant Accidents

Abstract

The latest knowledge encompass findings presented both in individual scientific publications and in internationally accepted reports. This review summarizes the latest knowledge on radiobiological effects on the latter level, using studies of atomic bomb survivors and victims of Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. First of all, it is important to note that while examining individual patient, it is impossible to distinguish a radiation-induced cancer patient and non-radiation-induced cancer patient even when using state-of-the-art techniques. Therefore, investigation of radiation effects on humans, especially late health effects has been based on the epidemiological and statistical methods. Based on studies on atomic bomb survivors, it is well accepted that there is a linear increase in the risk of cancer with the increase of radiation dose. However, the existence of a threshold is a controversial issue, and health effects with regards to non-cancer diseases are not yet accepted by international authorities. Childhood thyroid cancer has increased after the Chernobyl accident and more than several thousands children are affected by it. However, there is no proof that any disease, with the exception of thyroid cancer and acute radiation effects, has increased after the Chernobyl accident. Finally, it should be mentioned that providing scientific explanation of the results to general public is an honorable duty of concerned scientists.