Workshop  on environmental effects of chronic low level radioactive contamination

 

Aim

By bringing together scientists involved in environmental and/or laboratory studies of radiation effects, allied ecological fields and radiation protection specialists we hope to:

  • discuss field based studies of effects of radiation at low chronic dose rates
  • investigate the available radiation effects data for low dose rates and consider how these can be incorporated into improved radiation protection systems;
  • discuss current methods for deriving numerical dose rate benchmarks for application in environmental assessments;
  • consider uncertainties in dose estimation including measurements in the field
  • start to understand the basis behind some of the contrasting results and interpretations on the effects of radiation in the environment;
  • agree future research priorities and mechanisms whereby data can be shared.
  • gain a greater understanding of the impacts of radiation on wildlife

List of participants

Workshop conclusions

Agenda and links to presentations

Monday 4th February 2013

 Presentations on Field based studies on radiation effects

Chernobyl

  • Internal and external doses and the effects of low-dose radiation. - Timothy A. Mousseau
  • Biological effects of chronic exposure to radionuclides in plant populations (Chernobyl + Komi. S. Urals) - Stanislav Geraskin 

Fukushima

  • Radioactive contamination of nest materials due to the Fukushima nuclear accident in passerine birds -  Shin Matsui
  • Fukushima-derived radionuclide exposure and effects on birds and frogs - Christelle Adam-Guillermin
  • From molecules to men: Effects of low-dose radiation at Chernobyl and Fukushima. - A Møller

Others (Mayak., field irradiation)

  • Lessons learned from the small mammal field irradiator studies in Canada  - Steve Mihok
  • Issues concerning the measurement of Radioadaptation of small mammals in the East Urals radioactive trace  - Elena Grigorkina


Tuesday 5th February 2013

  • Radiobiological evidences for effects of chronic low doses on wildlife, with a particular focus on field data – Almudena Real
  • Application of screening values – Jacqueline Garnier Laplace
  • Uncertainties in measurement of radiation doses to biota in the field – Jordi Vives i Batlle
  • Comparison between data from lab and field - Dave Spurgeon

Presentations were followed by breakout groups to discuss key uncertainties and what are the key research priorities. (Chairs : Paul Whitehouse – EA & Claus Svendsen – CEH)           

Wednesday 6th February 2013 

Reporting on breakout sessions and general discussion

Publication lists of some participants

CEH

IRSN

Steve Mihok

Stanislav Geraskin

Anders Moller - all pdfs can be found at http://cricket.biol.sc.edu/chernobyl/Chernobyl_Research_Initiative/Publications.html