Epidemiological Evidence and Radiation Protection

Abstract of presentation at the 3rd International Conference on Uranium 40th Annual Hydrometallurgy Meeting, August 15–18, 2010, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Author(s):
Rachel S.D. Lane and Patsy Thompson
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Abstract

Objective scientific information should be the basis for understanding the health effects of uranium on workers and members of the public so that stakeholders can make informed decisions about radiation protection. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has participated in several recent epidemiological studies of the health effects on uranium workers and people living near uranium processing facilities. This presentation will discuss the findings, studies conducted elsewhere, international scientific consensus, gaps in knowledge, and plans for international collaborative studies. Finally, it will discuss the importance of epidemiological evidence for radiation protection and provide examples of how information has been communicated to stakeholders for evidence-based decision making.