The biological estimates of health effects of low doses of ionizing radiation and the regulatory approach to the control of low level radiation exposure have both been much debated during recent times. Fundamental research in molecular genetics and cellular biology has progressed significantly over the past years, increasing the knowledge of the basic mechanisms of those effects. New epidemiological evidence related to human populations and other species has yielded better understanding of the health risks involved, and molecular epidemiology is opening doors for further improvement of such understanding.
To foster the information exchange on the biological and health effects of low doses of ionizing radiation and discuss recent research and findings, an International Conference, jointly sponsored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), in co-operation with the United Nations Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) is being held from 17 to 21 November 1997 at Seville, Spain. Over 600 experts from 85 countries and five International Organizations are expected to participate. The Government of Spain is hosting this Conference and is facilitating its organization through a group of five Spanish institutions led by the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN).
The levels and biological effects resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation are continuously reviewed by UNSCEAR. Since its creation in 1928, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has published recommendations on protection against ionizing radiation. These recommendations have served as the basis for national, regional and international safety standards on this matter, including those developed by the IAEA and the WHO.
The Conference in Seville features two background sessions with reports on developments and findings in the field as well as a series of discussion sessions on the different aspects of radiation effects. There will be two poster sessions where research results will be presented. A summary session will highlight the topics of the discussions and presentations of the Conference.