ARCH

Agenda for research on chernobyl health (ARCH): to develop of a strategic plan for research on the health consequences of radiation from the chernobyl accident

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

The Chernobyl accident led to the most serious exposure of a normal human population to ionising radiation, apart from the atomic bombings in Japan. Unlike the bombing, the health impact of Chernobyl has not been comprehensively studied. In some areas (e.g. thyroid cancer), research has been intensive and informative; in others, little work has been conducted. The validity of extrapolating radiation risk estimates mainly based on atomic bomb studies to exposures of public health concern is controversial.

Questions relate to the choice of models for transport of risk between populations; projection of risk over time; extrapolation of risks from external high dose-rate exposure to low dose and low dose-rate exposures from internal radiation. Questions also concern non-cancer risks and the importance of non-targeted effects following low levels of radiation. Chernobyl has an iconic status in the public eye, and the accident provides a unique opportunity to answer these questions, to provide the authoritative studies needed to inform the nuclear debate, and to test novel hypotheses about radiation effects and biology/genetics in general. Because the range of potential studies is so vast, this proposal is for the development of a strategic research agenda on the health consequences of radiation exposure from the Chernobyl accident.

The modus operandi will be the assembly of a multidisciplinary group of experts, from within and outside the most affected states, who have considerable experience in the follow-up of the health consequences of the accident. The group will identify and prioritise (short and longer-term) the potential studies, assess their feasibility, cost effectiveness and likelihood of success, and provide a reasoned and comprehensive strategic agenda for future research. The strategic research agenda will be provided within 18 months; detailed proposals for short-term priority research topics will be provided within 9 months.

Introduzione (Teaser)

Scientists prioritised a research agenda to comprehensively study health effects of the Chernobyl accident. Studies should help improve the health of those exposed and help treat future incidences of radiation exposure.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

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.