Background: The Department of Energy Office of Health and Safety funds studies
of the Japanese atomic bomb survivors at the
Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF) in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The
RERF program is believed to have the longest history of any ongoing international
research program. DOE and its predecessor agencies have provided support since 1947.
The Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission (ABCC) initiated studies on the effects of radiation
exposure in survivors of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki within two years
of the bombings. In 1975, RERF was established under Japanese law as full successor to
the ABCC and was designated to continue the research. The Act of Endowment states that
the objective of the RERF is "to conduct research and studies, for peaceful purposes,
on medical effects of radiation on man and on diseases which may be affected by radiation,
with a view to contributing to the maintenance of the health and welfare of atomic bomb
survivors and to the enhancement of the health of all mankind." The Japanese Ministry
of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) and the DOE Office of Health, Safety and Security (HSS) co-fund the RERF program.
The Life Span Study is the major RERF epidemiologic study that generates data on
cancer incidence, cancer mortality, and non-cancer effects in relation to radiation
dose. The RERF research program also includes in-utero, genetic, mechanistic, and
clinical (Adult Health Studies) studies, as well as, follow-up studies on the children
of the survivors (F1 studies). Details on research progress can be found on the RERF
website: http://www.rerf.or.jp
The results of RERF research are the primary basis for radiation protection standards
throughout the world. The radiation risk estimates rely on an accurate dosimetry system.
The dosimetry system DS02 was put in place in 2003 and a major compendium of papers
defining the system has been published
in February 2006.
Accomplishments:
- Collaboration between DOE and MHLW has resulted
in progress on a number of issues related
to the funding and management of the RERF.
- A series of 5-year agreements between
MHLW and DOE has led to stable funding
for RERF and increased accountability.
The latest 5-year agreement was signed
on November 7, 2005.
- DOE and MHLW developed a plan for completion
of needed atomic
bomb dosimetry studies, including timeline,
research tasks, and funding responsibilities.
- DOE and MHLW supported the Blue Ribbon
Panel Report of 1996
Blue Ribbon Panel Report and promoted
the highest standards of independent peer
review of the RERF scientific projects through
the Science Council and other appropriate
mechanisms.
- DOE and MHLW agreed to support another senior panel
to review the scientific progress and plans of RERF and make
recommendations concerning the future of RERF. The Senior Review
Panel report will be issued in 2008.
- A new cooperative agreement between the
National
Academy of Sciences' Nuclear and Radiation
Studies Board and DOE has been established
in FY06, with the current focus of hiring
Americans researchers in the fields of statistics
and epidemiology to work at RERF.
- Facilitation has resulted in increased collaboration
between RERF and U.S. institutions in various
focus areas: University of Washington in epidemiology/statistics,
University of Tennessee College of Nursing
in homeland security studies, and the Radiation
Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site
(REAC/TS) in cytogenetic biodosimetry.
Recent Addition: Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of ABCC/RERF
Program Manager: Joseph
F. Weiss
Related Documents & Links
|