Health Risks from Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation

Health Risks from Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation
Author: Committee to Assess Health Risks from Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 422
Release: 2006-03-23
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309133343

This book is the seventh in a series of titles from the National Research Council that addresses the effects of exposure to low dose LET (Linear Energy Transfer) ionizing radiation and human health. Updating information previously presented in the 1990 publication, Health Effects of Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation: BEIR V, this book draws upon new data in both epidemiologic and experimental research. Ionizing radiation arises from both natural and man-made sources and at very high doses can produce damaging effects in human tissue that can be evident within days after exposure. However, it is the low-dose exposures that are the focus of this book. So-called “late” effects, such as cancer, are produced many years after the initial exposure. This book is among the first of its kind to include detailed risk estimates for cancer incidence in addition to cancer mortality. BEIR VII offers a full review of the available biological, biophysical, and epidemiological literature since the last BEIR report on the subject and develops the most up-to-date and comprehensive risk estimates for cancer and other health effects from exposure to low-level ionizing radiation.

Biologically Based Methods for Cancer Risk Assessment

Biologically Based Methods for Cancer Risk Assessment
Author: Curtis Travis
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 352
Release: 2013-06-29
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1468456253

"Biologically Based Methods for Cancer Risk Assessment", an Advanced Research Workshop, (ARW) sponsored by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was held in Corfu, Greece in June, 1989. The intent of the workshop was to survey available pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic methods in cancer risk assessment and identify methodological gaps and research needs for biologically based methods in cancer risk assessment. Incorporation of such methods represents one of the most challenging areas for risk assessment. The workshop included an international group of invited experts in the field and provided for a dynamic exchange of ideas and accomplishments. Some of the major topics discussed were: * Inventory of available pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic methods for cancer risk assessment. * Identification of methodology gaps and research needs in biologically based methods in cancer risk assessment. * Development of a general framework to guide future cancer risk assessment research. This book is a compilation of the papers presented at the workshop and is intended to provide guidance for future research to reduce uncertainties in the cancer risk assessment process. The primary sponsorship of this ARW by NATO and the advice and cooperation of Dr. C. Sinclair of the Scientific affairs Division are gratefully acknowledged. Acknowledgement is also given to the National Science Foundation for its support. The organization of the ARW and the preparation of this book have required considerable help from many other sources.

Carcinogens and Anticarcinogens in the Human Diet

Carcinogens and Anticarcinogens in the Human Diet
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 434
Release: 1996-03-12
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0309053919

Despite increasing knowledge of human nutrition, the dietary contribution to cancer remains a troubling question. Carcinogens and Anticarcinogens assembles the best available information on the magnitude of potential cancer riskâ€"and potential anticarcinogenic effectâ€"from naturally occurring chemicals compared with risk from synthetic chemical constituents. The committee draws important conclusions about diet and cancer, including the carcinogenic role of excess calories and fat, the anticarcinogenic benefit of fiber and other substances, and the impact of food additive regulation. The book offers recommendations for epidemiological and diet research. Carcinogens and Anticarcinogens provides a readable overview of issues and addresses critical questions: Does diet contribute to an appreciable proportion of human cancer? Are there significant interactions between carcinogens and anticarcinogens in the diet? The volume discusses the mechanisms of carcinogenic and anticarcinogenic properties and considers whether techniques used to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of synthetics can be used with naturally occurring chemicals. The committee provides criteria for prioritizing the vast number of substances that need to be tested. Carcinogens and Anticarcinogens clarifies the issues and sets the direction for further investigations into diet and cancer. This volume will be of interest to anyone involved in food and health issues: policymakers, regulators, researchers, nutrition professionals, and health advocates.

Perspectives on Biologically Based Cancer Risk Assessment

Perspectives on Biologically Based Cancer Risk Assessment
Author: Vincent James Cogliano
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 329
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1461547415

The first meeting of the NATO/CCMS Pilot Study "Dose-Response Analysis and Biologically-Based Risk assessment for Initiator and Promoter Carcinogens" was held in Rome, Italy, in the spring of 1991, and was followed by annual or bi-annual meetings held in Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, USA, up to the end of 1995; in large part supported by NATO/CCMS grants or fellowships, and organized by Pilot Study participants. The Pilot Study activity has been characterized by a higly collaborative atmosphere, which was essential for a deep and detailed analysis of a problem on which different points of view, methodological approaches and regulations exist in the various member countries. The Pilot Study was aimed at proposing a carcinogenic risk assessment procedure which is based on a detailed analysis of the relevant biological processes, and may also consent the verification of hypotheses. The specific form of theoretical and mathe matical models is identified by considering and using the whole set of objective data available. The multidisciplinary approach of the pilot study is reflected by the struc ture of this book. Each chapter is the result of the cooperation of several authors from to produce a comprehensive manual that includes different countries; its objective was both theoretical and practical information.

Science and Judgment in Risk Assessment

Science and Judgment in Risk Assessment
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 668
Release: 1994-01-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 030904894X

The public depends on competent risk assessment from the federal government and the scientific community to grapple with the threat of pollution. When risk reports turn out to be overblownâ€"or when risks are overlookedâ€"public skepticism abounds. This comprehensive and readable book explores how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can improve its risk assessment practices, with a focus on implementation of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. With a wealth of detailed information, pertinent examples, and revealing analysis, the volume explores the "default option" and other basic concepts. It offers two views of EPA operations: The first examines how EPA currently assesses exposure to hazardous air pollutants, evaluates the toxicity of a substance, and characterizes the risk to the public. The second, more holistic, view explores how EPA can improve in several critical areas of risk assessment by focusing on cross-cutting themes and incorporating more scientific judgment. This comprehensive volume will be important to the EPA and other agencies, risk managers, environmental advocates, scientists, faculty, students, and concerned individuals.

Issues in Risk Assessment

Issues in Risk Assessment
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 375
Release: 1993-02-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309047862

The scientific basis, inference assumptions, regulatory uses, and research needs in risk assessment are considered in this two-part volume. The first part, Use of Maximum Tolerated Dose in Animal Bioassays for Carcinogenicity, focuses on whether the maximum tolerated dose should continue to be used in carcinogenesis bioassays. The committee considers several options for modifying current bioassay procedures. The second part, Two-Stage Models of Carcinogenesis, stems from efforts to identify improved means of cancer risk assessment that have resulted in the development of a mathematical dose-response model based on a paradigm for the biologic phenomena thought to be associated with carcinogenesis.

Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk

Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk
Author: Suzanne H. Reuben
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
Total Pages: 240
Release: 2010-10
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 1437934218

Though overall cancer incidence and mortality have continued to decline in recent years, cancer continues to devastate the lives of far too many Americans. In 2009 alone, 1.5 million American men, women, and children were diagnosed with cancer, and 562,000 died from the disease. There is a growing body of evidence linking environmental exposures to cancer. The Pres. Cancer Panel dedicated its 2008¿2009 activities to examining the impact of environmental factors on cancer risk. The Panel considered industrial, occupational, and agricultural exposures as well as exposures related to medical practice, military activities, modern lifestyles, and natural sources. This report presents the Panel¿s recommend. to mitigate or eliminate these barriers. Illus.

How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease

How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease
Author: United States. Public Health Service. Office of the Surgeon General
Publisher:
Total Pages: 728
Release: 2010
Genre: Government publications
ISBN:

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.

Recent Advances in Quantitative Methods in Cancer and Human Health Risk Assessment

Recent Advances in Quantitative Methods in Cancer and Human Health Risk Assessment
Author: Lutz Edler
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 510
Release: 2005-05-27
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 9780470857564

Human health risk assessment involves the measuring of risk of exposure to disease, with a view to improving disease prevention. Mathematical, biological, statistical, and computational methods play a key role in exposure assessment, hazard assessment and identification, and dose-response modelling. Recent Advances in Quantitative Methods in Cancer and Human Health Risk Assessment is a comprehensive text that accounts for the wealth of new biological data as well as new biological, toxicological, and medical approaches adopted in risk assessment. It provides an authoritative compendium of state-of-the-art methods proposed and used, featuring contributions from eminent authors with varied experience from academia, government, and industry. Provides a comprehensive summary of currently available quantitative methods for risk assessment of both cancer and non-cancer problems. Describes the applications and the limitations of current mathematical modelling and statistical analysis methods (classical and Bayesian). Includes an extensive introduction and discussion to each chapter. Features detailed studies of risk assessments using biologically-based modelling approaches. Discusses the varying computational aspects of the methods proposed. Provides a global perspective on human health risk assessment by featuring case studies from a wide range of countries. Features an extensive bibliography with links to relevant background information within each chapter. Recent Advances in Quantitative Methods in Cancer and Human Health Risk Assessment will appeal to researchers and practitioners in public health & epidemiology, and postgraduate students alike. It will also be of interest to professionals working in risk assessment agencies.

Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Risk Assessment

Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Risk Assessment
Author: Wai Nang Choy
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 405
Release: 2001-08-31
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0824745221

Presents state-of-the-art regulatory cancer risk assessment models including a biologically based model for two-hit carcinogenesis and cell proliferation! This book comprehensively reviews the various roles of genetic toxicology in human cancer risk assessment conducted by United States and worldwide regulatory agencies-discussing hazard identification, dose-response relationships, exposure assessment, and current practices of risk characterization. Examines predictive values of mutagenicity tests, mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and conventional genotoxicity tests required by the International Conference on Harmonization and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development/Environmental Protection Agency guidelines! Comprised of contributions from prominent experts and risk assessors and including nearly 1200 references to facilitate further study, Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Risk Assessment reviews contemporary human cancer genetics as related to the mutagenic nature of carcinogenesis calculates acceptable exposure levels based on a carcinogenic threshold dose for nongenotoxic carcinogens reveals the rationale and methodology of quantitative estimation of human cancer risks using mathematical models discusses the threshold concept of carcinogenesis demonstrates how bacterial mutagenicity assays are the most reliable for predicting rodent carcinogens considers structural activity relationship (SAR) analysis of chemical carcinogenicity describes the emergence of the mouse lymphoma microwell and in vitro micronucleus assays illustrates the use of genetic biomarkers for dosimetry analysis and more! Linking human cancer genetics, mutagenicity assays, mechanisms of carcinogenesis, carcinogenic thresholds, molecular epidemiology, mathematical modeling, and quantitative cancer risk analysis, Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Risk Assessment is a must-have reference for toxicologists; oncologists; geneticists; biostatisticians; reproductive, developmental, cell, and molecular biologists; endocrinologists; biochemists; and upper-level undergraduate, graduate, and medical school students in these disciplines.