Choosing populations to study the health effects of low-dose ionizing radiation

N.A. Dreyer, J.E. Loughlin, E.R. Friedlander, R.W. Clapp and F.H. Fahey

American Journal of Public Health, 1981, vol. 71, issue 11, 1247-1252

Abstract: In January 1978, the United States Congress requested information about the utility of additional epidemiologic studies for quantifying the health effects of low-dose ionizing radiation. In our judgement, no single population can be recommended for study on purely scientific grounds, since the largest group offers only a small chance to obtain a definitive result. On the other hand, if social pressures and regulatory agencies mandate that such studies be attempted, we would recommend prospective cohort studies of occupational populations. We propose that a national worker registry be developed using ionizing radiation as the prototype for studying other occupational exposures. The problems related to studying low-level radiation are not unique, but apply equally to investigations dealing with a great variety of toxic agents. A national plan for collecting information on workers' exposure and health could provide a cost-efficient means to answer public health questions posed by the Congress, scientists and the public.

Date: 1981
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.71.11.1247_4

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.71.11.1247

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