Foundations for a detailed study of Chernobyl effects
The accident is an unfortunate yet unique opportunity to inform the nuclear debate and to test novel hypotheses about radiation effects and biology and genetics in general. European scientists sought to establish a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) for a detailed investigation including models for projection of risk over time, external high-dose effects, internal low-dose effects and non-cancer effects with EU funding of the ARCH project. The panel concluded that there were many reasons for a long-term study even 25 years after the accident. Health effects continue and future effects remain uncertain. Past knowledge for extrapolation based on the atomic bombings may not be relevant due to advances in radiobiology. In addition, considerable variability in past assessment methods and controversy over consequences exist. ARCH highlighted the need for a prioritised series of studies covering main health consequences and it addressed this need with a SRA, publicly available on the project website, http://arch.iarc.fr/. Implementation of ARCH's SRA should have an important positive impact on public health relevant to radiation exposure. It will facilitate improved understanding of radiation effects (particularly low-dose exposures). The agenda has the potential to result in health improvement for those exposed after the Chernobyl accident and better health planning for prevention and care in the case of future exposures.
