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Little MP, Bazyka D, de Gonzalez AB, Brenner AV, Chumak VV, Cullings HM, Daniels RD, French B, Grant E, Hamada N, Hauptmann M, Kendall GM, Laurier D, Lee C, Lee WJ, Linet MS, Mabuchi K, Morton LM, Muirhead CR, Preston DL, Rajaraman P, Richardson DB, Sakata R, Samet JM, Simon SL, Sugiyama H, Wakeford R, Zablotska LB. A Historical Survey of Key Epidemiological Studies of Ionizing Radiation Exposure. Radiat Res 2024; 202:432-487. [PMID: 39021204 PMCID: PMC11316622 DOI: 10.1667/rade-24-00021.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
In this article we review the history of key epidemiological studies of populations exposed to ionizing radiation. We highlight historical and recent findings regarding radiation-associated risks for incidence and mortality of cancer and non-cancer outcomes with emphasis on study design and methods of exposure assessment and dose estimation along with brief consideration of sources of bias for a few of the more important studies. We examine the findings from the epidemiological studies of the Japanese atomic bomb survivors, persons exposed to radiation for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, those exposed to environmental sources including Chornobyl and other reactor accidents, and occupationally exposed cohorts. We also summarize results of pooled studies. These summaries are necessarily brief, but we provide references to more detailed information. We discuss possible future directions of study, to include assessment of susceptible populations, and possible new populations, data sources, study designs and methods of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P. Little
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-9778, USA
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Headington Campus, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Dimitry Bazyka
- National Research Center for Radiation Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, 53 Melnikov Street, Kyiv 04050, Ukraine
| | | | - Alina V. Brenner
- Radiation Effects Research Foundation, 5-2 Hijiyama Park, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 732-0815, Japan
| | - Vadim V. Chumak
- National Research Center for Radiation Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, 53 Melnikov Street, Kyiv 04050, Ukraine
| | - Harry M. Cullings
- Radiation Effects Research Foundation, 5-2 Hijiyama Park, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 732-0815, Japan
| | - Robert D. Daniels
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Benjamin French
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Eric Grant
- Radiation Effects Research Foundation, 5-2 Hijiyama Park, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 732-0815, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Hamada
- Biology and Environmental Chemistry Division, Sustainable System Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI), 1646 Abiko, Chiba 270-1194, Japan
| | - Michael Hauptmann
- Institute of Biostatistics and Registry Research, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, 16816 Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Gerald M. Kendall
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Dominique Laurier
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, Fontenay aux Roses France
| | - Choonsik Lee
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-9778, USA
| | - Won Jin Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Martha S. Linet
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-9778, USA
| | - Kiyohiko Mabuchi
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-9778, USA
| | - Lindsay M. Morton
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-9778, USA
| | | | | | - Preetha Rajaraman
- Radiation Effects Research Foundation, 5-2 Hijiyama Park, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 732-0815, Japan
| | - David B. Richardson
- Environmental and Occupational Health, 653 East Peltason, University California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-3957 USA
| | - Ritsu Sakata
- Radiation Effects Research Foundation, 5-2 Hijiyama Park, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 732-0815, Japan
| | - Jonathan M. Samet
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Steven L. Simon
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-9778, USA
| | - Hiromi Sugiyama
- Radiation Effects Research Foundation, 5-2 Hijiyama Park, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 732-0815, Japan
| | - Richard Wakeford
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Manchester, Ellen Wilkinson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Lydia B. Zablotska
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16 Street, 2 floor, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Mothersill C, Seymour C, Cocchetto A, Williams D. Factors Influencing Effects of Low-dose Radiation Exposure. HEALTH PHYSICS 2024; 126:296-308. [PMID: 38526248 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000001816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT It is now well accepted that the mechanisms induced by low-dose exposures to ionizing radiation (LDR) are different from those occurring after high-dose exposures. However, the downstream effects of these mechanisms are unclear as are the quantitative relationships between exposure, effect, harm, and risk. In this paper, we will discuss the mechanisms known to be important with an overall emphasis on how so-called "non-targeted effects" (NTE) communicate and coordinate responses to LDR. Targeted deposition of ionizing radiation energy in cells causing DNA damage is still regarded as the dominant trigger leading to all downstream events whether targeted or non-targeted. We regard this as an over-simplification dating back to formal target theory. It ignores that last 100 y of biological research into stress responses and signaling mechanisms in organisms exposed to toxic substances, including ionizing radiation. We will provide evidence for situations where energy deposition in cellular targets alone cannot be plausible as a mechanism for LDR effects. An example is where the energy deposition takes place in an organism not receiving the radiation dose. We will also discuss how effects after LDR depend more on dose rate and radiation quality rather than actual dose, which appears rather irrelevant. Finally, we will use recent evidence from studies of cataract and melanoma induction to suggest that after LDR, post-translational effects, such as protein misfolding or defects in energy metabolism or mitochondrial function, may dominate the etiology and progression of the disease. A focus on such novel pathways may open the way to successful prophylaxis and development of new biomarkers for better risk assessment after low dose exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmel Mothersill
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St., Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4L8
| | - Colin Seymour
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St., Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4L8
| | - Alan Cocchetto
- The National CFIDS Foundation, 285 Beach Ave., Hull, MA 02045
| | - David Williams
- Cambridge University, The Old Schools, Trinity Lane, Cambridge CB2 1TN, United Kingdom
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Abstract
PURPOSE Cataract (opacification of the ocular lens) is a typical tissue reaction (deterministic effect) following ionizing radiation exposure, for which prevention dose limits have been recommended in the radiation protection system. Manifestations of radiation cataracts can vary among individuals, but such potential individual responses remain uncharacterized. Here we review relevant literature and discuss implications for radiation protection. This review assesses evidence for significant modification of radiation-induced cataractogenesis by age at exposure, sex and genetic factors based on current scientific literature. CONCLUSIONS In addition to obvious physical factors (e.g. dose, dose rate, radiation quality, irradiation volume), potential factors modifying individual responses for radiation cataracts include sex, age and genetics, with comorbidity and coexposures also having important roles. There are indications and preliminary data identifying such potential modifiers of radiation cataract incidence or risk, although no firm conclusions can yet be drawn. Further studies and a consensus on the evidence are needed to gain deeper insights into factors determining individual responses regarding radiation cataracts and the implications for radiation protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen G R Barnard
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards Division (RCEHD), Didcot, UK
| | - Nobuyuki Hamada
- Biology and Environmental Chemistry Division, Sustainable System Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI), Tokyo, Japan
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Sharifi A, Dinparastisaleh R, Kumar N, Mirsaeidi M. Health effects of radioactive contaminated dust in the aftermath of potential nuclear accident in Ukraine. Front Public Health 2022; 10:959668. [PMID: 36072376 PMCID: PMC9441805 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.959668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arash Sharifi
- Department of Marine Geosciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States,Isobar Science-Beta Analytic, Research and Development Department, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Roshan Dinparastisaleh
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Mehdi Mirsaeidi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, College of Medicine-Jacksonville, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, United States,*Correspondence: Mehdi Mirsaeidi
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Barnard S, Uwineza A, Kalligeraki A, McCarron R, Kruse F, Ainsbury EA, Quinlan RA. Lens Epithelial Cell Proliferation in Response to Ionizing Radiation. Radiat Res 2022; 197:92-99. [PMID: 33984857 DOI: 10.1667/rade-20-00294.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Lens epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation are naturally well regulated and controlled, a characteristic essential for lens structure, symmetry and function. The effect of ionizing radiation on lens epithelial cell proliferation has been demonstrated in previous studies at high acute doses, but the effect of dose and dose rate on proliferation has not yet been considered. In this work, mice received single acute doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 Gy of radiation, at dose rates of 0.063 and 0.3 Gy/min. Eye lenses were isolated postirradiation at 30 min up until 14 days and flat-mounted. Then, cell proliferation rates were determined using biomarker Ki67. As expected, radiation increased cell proliferation 2 and 24 h postirradiation transiently (undetectable 14 days postirradiation) and was dose dependent (changes were very significant at 2 Gy; P = 0.008). A dose-rate effect did not reach significance in this study (P = 0.054). However, dose rate and lens epithelial cell region showed significant interactions (P < 0.001). These observations further our mechanistic understanding of how the lens responds to radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Barnard
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Chilton, United Kingdom
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, Mountjoy Science Site, Durham DH13LE, United Kingdom
| | - A Uwineza
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Chilton, United Kingdom
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, Mountjoy Science Site, Durham DH13LE, United Kingdom
| | - A Kalligeraki
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, Mountjoy Science Site, Durham DH13LE, United Kingdom
| | - R McCarron
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Chilton, United Kingdom
| | - F Kruse
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Chilton, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - E A Ainsbury
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Chilton, United Kingdom
| | - R A Quinlan
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, Mountjoy Science Site, Durham DH13LE, United Kingdom
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Ainsbury EA, Barnard SGR. Sensitivity and latency of ionising radiation-induced cataract. Exp Eye Res 2021; 212:108772. [PMID: 34562436 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
When managed with appropriate radiation protection procedures, ionising radiation is of great benefit to society. Opacification of the lens, and vision impairing cataract, have recently been recognised at potential effects of relatively low dose radiation exposure, on the order of 1 Gy or below. Within the last 10 years, understanding of the effects of low dose ionising radiation on the lens has increased, particularly in terms of DNA damage and responses, and how multiple radiation or other events in the lens might contribute to the overall risk of cataract. However, gaps remain, not least in the understanding of how radiation interacts with other risk factors such as aging, as well as the relative radiosensitivity of the lens compared to tissues of the body. This paper reviews the current literature in the field of low dose radiation cataract, with a particular focus on sensitivity and latency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Ainsbury
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Chilton, Didcot Oxford, OX11 ORQ, UK.
| | - Stephen G R Barnard
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Chilton, Didcot Oxford, OX11 ORQ, UK.
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Ainsbury EA, Dalke C, Hamada N, Benadjaoud MA, Chumak V, Ginjaume M, Kok JL, Mancuso M, Sabatier L, Struelens L, Thariat J, Jourdain JR. Radiation-induced lens opacities: Epidemiological, clinical and experimental evidence, methodological issues, research gaps and strategy. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106213. [PMID: 33276315 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In 2011, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommended reducing the occupational equivalent dose limit for the lens of the eye from 150 mSv/year to 20 mSv/year, averaged over five years, with no single year exceeding 50 mSv. With this recommendation, several important assumptions were made, such as lack of dose rate effect, classification of cataracts as a tissue reaction with a dose threshold at 0.5 Gy, and progression of minor opacities into vision-impairing cataracts. However, although new dose thresholds and occupational dose limits have been set for radiation-induced cataract, ICRP clearly states that the recommendations are chiefly based on epidemiological evidence because there are a very small number of studies that provide explicit biological and mechanistic evidence at doses under 2 Gy. Since the release of the 2011 ICRP statement, the Multidisciplinary European Low Dose Initiative (MELODI) supported in April 2019 a scientific workshop that aimed to review epidemiological, clinical and biological evidence for radiation-induced cataracts. The purpose of this article is to present and discuss recent related epidemiological and clinical studies, ophthalmic examination techniques, biological and mechanistic knowledge, and to identify research gaps, towards the implementation of a research strategy for future studies on radiation-induced lens opacities. The authors recommend particularly to study the effect of ionizing radiation on the lens in the context of the wider, systemic effects, including in the retina, brain and other organs, and as such cataract is recommended to be studied as part of larger scale programs focused on multiple radiation health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Ainsbury
- Public Health England (PHE) Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Oxon, United Kingdom.
| | - Claudia Dalke
- Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Germany.
| | - Nobuyuki Hamada
- Radiation Safety Research Center, Nuclear Technology Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI), Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Mohamed Amine Benadjaoud
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), BP 17, 31 avenue de la division Leclerc, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| | - Vadim Chumak
- National Research Centre for Radiation Medicine, Ukraine.
| | | | - Judith L Kok
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Mariateresa Mancuso
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, (ENEA), Rome, Italy.
| | - Laure Sabatier
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Saclay, France.
| | | | - Juliette Thariat
- Laboratoire de physique corpusculaire IN2P3/ENSICAEN -UMR6534 - Unicaen - Normandie University, France
| | - Jean-René Jourdain
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), BP 17, 31 avenue de la division Leclerc, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
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da Costa Dantas R, Navoni JA, de Alencar FLS, da Costa Xavier LA, do Amaral VS. Natural radioactivity in Brazil: a systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:143-157. [PMID: 31832968 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06962-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Natural radioactivity is a public health concern worldwide. Its deleterious effects are largely associated with emitting ionizing particles which generate innumerable toxicological consequences to human being. The present study aimed to describe the research state of the art on natural radioactivity in Brazil through a systematic review limited to articles published in the twenty-first century in the PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs, and Google Scholar databases. A total of 55 research articles were considered for this purpose. Based on the collected sample types, the radiation analysis in most of the scientific reports was performed on solid samples (soil/sediment/rocks), followed by water and air. In fact, most of the available information came from geological studies. A wide range of concentrations and a variety of radionuclides have been assessed, with radium being the most cited. Most of the studies described radiation levels above the international guidelines, and consider the Brazilian territory as a high natural background radiation region (HNBR). In comparison with other HNBR areas, the scientific information about the related risks to human health is still scarce. There is uncertainty about the real impact of natural radioactivity on human health, as there is a lack of scientific information for most of the country about this issue. The analysis and comparison of the available information highlights the potential risks linked to natural radioactivity and the need to incorporate suitable environmental management policies about this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richelly da Costa Dantas
- Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia (RENORBIO), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Julio Alejandro Navoni
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente (PRODEMA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), Programa de Pós-graduação em Uso Sustentavel de Recursos Naturais (PPgUSRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Feliphe Lacerda Souza de Alencar
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente (PRODEMA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Sen. Salgado Filho, Lagoa Nova Natal, RN, CEP 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Luíza Araújo da Costa Xavier
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Sen. Salgado Filho, Lagoa Nova Natal, RN, CEP 59078-970, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Viviane Souza do Amaral
- Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia (RENORBIO), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente (PRODEMA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Sen. Salgado Filho, Lagoa Nova Natal, RN, CEP 59078-970, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
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Cancers after Chornobyl: From Epidemiology to Molecular Quantification. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091291. [PMID: 31480731 PMCID: PMC6770927 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An overview and new data are presented from cancer studies of the most exposed groups of the population after the Chornobyl accident, performed at the National Research Center for Radiation Medicine (NRCRM). Incidence rates of solid cancers were analyzed for the 1990-2016 period in cleanup workers, evacuees, and the general population from the contaminated areas. In male cleanup workers, the significant increase in rates was demonstrated for cancers in total, leukemia, lymphoma, and thyroid cancer, as well as breast cancer rates were increased in females. Significantly elevated thyroid cancer incidence was identified in the male cleanup workers cohort (150,813) in 1986-2012 with an overall standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 3.35 (95% CI: 2.91-3.80). A slight decrease in incidence rates was registered starting at 25 years after exposure. In total, 32 of 57 deaths in a group of cleanup workers with confirmed acute radiation syndrome (ARS) or not confirmed ARS (ARS NC) were due to blood malignancies or cancer. Molecular studies in cohort members included gene expression and polymorphism, FISH, relative telomere length, immunophenotype, micronuclei test, histone H2AX, and TORCH infections. Analysis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cases from the cohort showed more frequent mutations in telomere maintenance pathway genes as compared with unexposed CLL patients.
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Prysyazhnyuk AY, Trotsyuk NK, Gudzenko NA, Chumak VV, Bakhanova OV, Fuzik MM, Belyaev YM, Fedorenko ZP, Gorokh YL, Romanenko AY, Bazyka DA, Khukhryanska OM. RADIATION RISKS OF THYROID CANCER IN CHORNOBYL CLEAN-UP WORKERS USING THE ALTERNATIVE ESTIMATES OF DOSES OF EXTERNAL EXPOSURE. PROBLEMY RADIATSIINOI MEDYTSYNY TA RADIOBIOLOHII 2018; 23:200-215. [PMID: 30582846 DOI: 10.33145/2304-8336-2018-23-200-215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to estimate the thyroid cancer radiation risks - excess absolute risk(EAR), excess relative risk (ERR) and attributable fraction of risk (AR) in the cohort of 150,813 Ukrainian male clean-up workers during the 1986-2012 period (more than 25 years after the Chornobyl accident). MATERIALS AND METHODS The cohort under study of 150,813 Ukrainian men who participated emergency and clean-up work in 1986-1990 was formed based on the data of the Ukrainian State Register of persons affected due toChornobyl accident (SRU). The identification of thyroid cancer cases (216) was carried out by linking the SRU data-base with the National Cancer Registry of Ukraine (NCRU) data. Standardised incidence ratios (SIR) were estimatedcomparing thyroid cancer incidence in the cohort with the corresponding national indices. Excess absolute risk(EAR), excess relative risk (ERR) and attributable fraction of risk (AR) were calculated accounting for the alterna-tive dose estimates. The following sources of the average dose values for Ukrainian liquidators were used: officialtotal external dose records according to UNSCEAR 2008 report and results of external red bone marrow dose recon-struction by the RADRUE method for the cohort sample. For the radiation risk evaluation, these estimates were con-versed to the average external thyroid dose. RESULTS Results of the long term study (1986-2012) of thyroid cancer risks in a cohort of 150813 Chornobyl clean-up workers («liquidators») from Ukraine are presented. Two options for the average thyroid dose estimates were usedfor radiation risks evaluation. According to the SRU and NCRU 216 incident thyroid cancers were diagnosed in 1986-2012 within the studied cohort with an overall SIR of 3.35 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.51-3.80). The SIR esti-mates were elevated throughout the entire follow-up period. Investigation of a contribution of the external expo-sure (according to the alternative values) showed the elevated dose associated thyroid cancer rates in the studiedcohort. Alternatively estimated EAR/104 PY Gy were of 1.86 (95 % CI 0.47-3.24) and 2.07 (95 % CI 0.53-3.62);ERR/Gy - 2.38 (95 % CI 0.60-4.15) and 2.66 (95 % CI 0.68-4.64) and AR % (Gy) 70.4 % and 72.7 % Gy. CONCLUSIONS Obtained results prove the dose dependent increase of thyroid cancer incidence among UkrainianChornobyl clean-up workers. These conclusions are consistent with those received for combined cohort of Belarus,Russia and Baltic States liquidators.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ye Prysyazhnyuk
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53, Melnykov str., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - N K Trotsyuk
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53, Melnykov str., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - N A Gudzenko
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53, Melnykov str., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - V V Chumak
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53, Melnykov str., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - O V Bakhanova
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53, Melnykov str., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - M M Fuzik
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53, Melnykov str., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - Yu M Belyaev
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53, Melnykov str., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - Z P Fedorenko
- National Cancer Institute, 33/34, Lomonosov str., Kyiv, 03022, Ukraine
| | - Y L Gorokh
- National Cancer Institute, 33/34, Lomonosov str., Kyiv, 03022, Ukraine
| | - A Yu Romanenko
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53, Melnykov str., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - D A Bazyka
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53, Melnykov str., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - O M Khukhryanska
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53, Melnykov str., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
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11
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Tang FR, Loganovsky K. Low dose or low dose rate ionizing radiation-induced health effect in the human. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 192:32-47. [PMID: 29883875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The extensive literature review on human epidemiological studies suggests that low dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) (≤100 mSv) or low dose rate ionizing radiation (LDRIR) (<6mSv/H) exposure could induce either negative or positive health effects. These changes may depend on genetic background, age (prenatal day for embryo), sex, nature of radiation exposure, i.e., acute or chronic irradiation, radiation sources (such as atomic bomb attack, fallout from nuclear weapon test, nuclear power plant accidents, 60Co-contaminated building, space radiation, high background radiation, medical examinations or procedures) and radionuclide components and human epidemiological experimental designs. Epidemiological and clinical studies show that LDIR or LDRIR exposure may induce cancer, congenital abnormalities, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cognitive and other neuropsychiatric disorders, cataracts and other eye and somatic pathology (endocrine, bronchopulmonary, digestive, etc). LDIR or LDRIR exposure may also reduce mutation and cancer mortality rates. So far, the mechanisms of LDIR- or LDRIR -induced health effect are poorly understood. Further extensive studies are still needed to clarify under what circumstances, LDIR or LDRIR exposure may induce positive or negative effects, which may facilitate development of new therapeutic approaches to prevent or treat the radiation-induced human diseases or enhance radiation-induced positive health effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ru Tang
- Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, 138602, Singapore.
| | - Konstantin Loganovsky
- Radiation Psychoneurology Department, Institute of Clinical Radiology, State Institution "National Research Centre for Radiation Medicne, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine", 53 Melnikov Str., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
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Thome C, Chambers DB, Hooker AM, Thompson JW, Boreham DR. Deterministic Effects to the Lens of the Eye Following Ionizing Radiation Exposure: is There Evidence to Support a Reduction in Threshold Dose? HEALTH PHYSICS 2018; 114:328-343. [PMID: 29360710 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000000810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ionizing radiation exposure to the lens of the eye is a known cause of cataractogenesis. Historically, it was believed that the acute threshold dose for cataract formation was 5 Sv, and annual dose limits to the lens were set at 150 mSv. Recently, however, the International Commission on Radiological Protection has reduced their threshold dose estimate for deterministic effects to 0.5 Gy and is now recommending an occupational limit of 20 mSv per year on average. A number of organizations have questioned whether this new threshold and dose limit are justified based on the limited reliable data concerning radiation-induced cataracts. This review summarizes all of the published human epidemiological data on ionizing radiation exposure to the lens of the eye in order to evaluate the proposed threshold. Data from a variety of exposure cohorts are reviewed, including atomic bomb survivors, Chernobyl liquidators, medical workers, and radiotherapy patients. Overall, there is not conclusive evidence that the threshold dose for cataract formation should be reduced to 0.5 Gy. Many of the studies reviewed here are challenging to incorporate into an overall risk model due to inconsistencies with dosimetry, sample size, and scoring metrics. Additionally, risk levels in the studied cohorts may not relate to occupational scenarios due to differences in dose rate, radiation quality, age at exposure and latency period. New studies should be designed specifically focused on occupational exposures, with reliable dosimetry and grading methods for lens opacities, to determine an appropriate level for dose threshold and exposure limit.
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Samet JM, Berrington de González A, Dauer LT, Hatch M, Kosti O, Mettler FA, Satyamitra MM. Gilbert W. Beebe Symposium on 30 Years after the Chernobyl Accident: Current and Future Studies on Radiation Health Effects. Radiat Res 2017; 189:5-18. [PMID: 29136393 DOI: 10.1667/rr14791.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This commentary summarizes the presentations and discussions from the 2016 Gilbert W. Beebe symposium "30 years after the Chernobyl accident: Current and future studies on radiation health effects." The symposium was hosted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies). The symposium focused on the health consequences of the Chernobyl accident, looking retrospectively at what has been learned and prospectively at potential future discoveries using emerging 21st Century research methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Samet
- a Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | | | - Ourania Kosti
- d National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Fred A Mettler
- e University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Bailiff I, Sholom S, McKeever S. Retrospective and emergency dosimetry in response to radiological incidents and nuclear mass-casualty events: A review. RADIAT MEAS 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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15
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Shore RE. Radiation and cataract risk: Impact of recent epidemiologic studies on ICRP judgments. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2016; 770:231-237. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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16
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Ainsbury EA, Barnard S, Bright S, Dalke C, Jarrin M, Kunze S, Tanner R, Dynlacht JR, Quinlan RA, Graw J, Kadhim M, Hamada N. Ionizing radiation induced cataracts: Recent biological and mechanistic developments and perspectives for future research. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2016; 770:238-261. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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17
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Drozdovitch V, Chumak V, Kesminiene A, Ostroumova E, Bouville A. Doses for post-Chernobyl epidemiological studies: are they reliable? JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2016; 36:R36-R73. [PMID: 27355439 PMCID: PMC9426290 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/36/3/r36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
On 26 April 2016, thirty years will have elapsed since the occurrence of the Chernobyl accident, which has so far been the most severe in the history of the nuclear reactor industry. Numerous epidemiological studies were conducted to evaluate the possible health consequences of the accident. Since the credibility of the association between the radiation exposure and health outcome is highly dependent on the adequacy of the dosimetric quantities used in these studies, this paper makes an effort to overview the methods used to estimate individual doses and the associated uncertainties in the main analytical epidemiological studies (i.e. cohort or case-control) related to the Chernobyl accident. Based on the thorough analysis and comparison with other radiation studies, the authors conclude that individual doses for the Chernobyl analytical epidemiological studies have been calculated with a relatively high degree of reliability and well-characterized uncertainties, and that they compare favorably with many other non-Chernobyl studies. The major strengths of the Chernobyl studies are: (1) they are grounded on a large number of measurements, either performed on humans or made in the environment; and (2) extensive effort has been invested to evaluate the uncertainties associated with the dose estimates. Nevertheless, gaps in the methodology are identified and suggestions for the possible improvement of the current dose estimates are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Drozdovitch
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vadim Chumak
- National Research Centre for Radiation Medicine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | | | - André Bouville
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Retired
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18
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Seibel I, Cordini D, Hager A, Riechardt AI, Rehak M, Böker A, Böhmer D, Heufelder J, Joussen AM. Cataract development in patients treated with proton beam therapy for uveal melanoma. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2016; 254:1625-1630. [DOI: 10.1007/s00417-016-3356-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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19
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Markiewicz E, Barnard S, Haines J, Coster M, van Geel O, Wu W, Richards S, Ainsbury E, Rothkamm K, Bouffler S, Quinlan RA. Nonlinear ionizing radiation-induced changes in eye lens cell proliferation, cyclin D1 expression and lens shape. Open Biol 2016; 5:150011. [PMID: 25924630 PMCID: PMC4422125 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.150011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated cataract risk after radiation exposure was established soon after the discovery of X-rays in 1895. Today, increased cataract incidence among medical imaging practitioners and after nuclear incidents has highlighted how little is still understood about the biological responses of the lens to low-dose ionizing radiation (IR). Here, we show for the first time that in mice, lens epithelial cells (LECs) in the peripheral region repair DNA double strand breaks (DSB) after exposure to 20 and 100 mGy more slowly compared with circulating blood lymphocytes, as demonstrated by counts of γH2AX foci in cell nuclei. LECs in the central region repaired DSBs faster than either LECs in the lens periphery or lymphocytes. Although DSB markers (γH2AX, 53BP1 and RAD51) in both lens regions showed linear dose responses at the 1 h timepoint, nonlinear responses were observed in lenses for EdU (5-ethynyl-2′-deoxy-uridine) incorporation, cyclin D1 staining and cell density after 24 h at 100 and 250 mGy. After 10 months, the lens aspect ratio was also altered, an indicator of the consequences of the altered cell proliferation and cell density changes. A best-fit model demonstrated a dose-response peak at 500 mGy. These data identify specific nonlinear biological responses to low (less than 1000 mGy) dose IR-induced DNA damage in the lens epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Markiewicz
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Stephen Barnard
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical & Environmental Hazards, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Jackie Haines
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical & Environmental Hazards, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Margaret Coster
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical & Environmental Hazards, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Orry van Geel
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, Durham DH1 3LE, UK Faculty of Science, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 11, Leuven 3001, Belgium
| | - Weiju Wu
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, Durham DH1 3LE, UK Biophysical Sciences Institute, University of Durham, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Shane Richards
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Elizabeth Ainsbury
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical & Environmental Hazards, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Kai Rothkamm
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical & Environmental Hazards, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Simon Bouffler
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical & Environmental Hazards, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Roy A Quinlan
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, Durham DH1 3LE, UK Biophysical Sciences Institute, University of Durham, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
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20
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Belyy YA, Tereshchenko AV, Romanko YS, Abakushina EV, Gretchaninov VB. [Triggering factors and pathogenesis of radiation cataract]. Vestn Oftalmol 2015; 131:97-101. [PMID: 26489128 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma2015131497-101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cataract is one of the most common eye diseases in the world. Many factors, including genetic, metabolic, nutritional, and environmental, are involved in its formation. It is necessary to know main causal agents and cellular mechanism of cataractogenesis. The tissue of the lens is considered radiosensitive, thus, lens opacities are possible late effects of exposure to ionizing radiation. The use of medical radiation for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes grows worldwide. At the same time, there continues to be much confusion regarding the actual threshold dose of radiation exposure for cataract formation. Eye safety and the risk of cataract development are not entirely clear. However, with an ever-widening range of interventional procedures, one should take attempts to reduce the risk for radiation cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu A Belyy
- Kaluga Branch of the Academician S.N. Fyodorov IRTC 'Eye Microsurgery', Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 5 Svyatoslava Fedorova St., Kaluga, Russian Federation, 248007
| | - A V Tereshchenko
- Kaluga Branch of the Academician S.N. Fyodorov IRTC 'Eye Microsurgery', Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 5 Svyatoslava Fedorova St., Kaluga, Russian Federation, 248007
| | - Yu S Romanko
- Medical radiological research center, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 4 Koroleva St., Obninsk, Russian Federation, 249036
| | - E V Abakushina
- Medical radiological research center, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 4 Koroleva St., Obninsk, Russian Federation, 249036
| | - V B Gretchaninov
- Kaluga Branch of the Academician S.N. Fyodorov IRTC 'Eye Microsurgery', Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 5 Svyatoslava Fedorova St., Kaluga, Russian Federation, 248007
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21
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Chumak V, Drozdovitch V, Kryuchkov V, Bakhanova E, Babkina N, Bazyka D, Gudzenko N, Hatch M, Trotsuk N, Zablotska L, Golovanov I, Luckyanov N, Voillequé P, Bouville A. Dosimetry Support of the Ukrainian-American Case-control Study of Leukemia and Related Disorders Among Chornobyl Cleanup Workers. HEALTH PHYSICS 2015; 109:296-301. [PMID: 26313587 PMCID: PMC4557628 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000000341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes dose reconstruction for a joint Ukrainian-American case-control study of leukemia that was conducted in a cohort of 110,645 male Ukrainian cleanup workers of the Chornobyl (Chernobyl) accident who were exposed to various radiation doses over the 1986-1990 time period. Individual bone-marrow doses due to external irradiation along with respective uncertainty distributions were calculated for 1,000 study subjects using the RADRUE method, which employed personal cleanup history data collected in the course of an interview with the subject himself if he was alive or with two proxies if he was deceased. The central estimates of the bone-marrow dose distributions range from 3.7 × 10(-5) to 3,260 mGy, with an arithmetic mean of 92 mGy. The uncertainties in the individual stochastic dose estimates can be approximated by lognormal distributions; the average geometric standard deviation is 2.0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Chumak
- National Research Centre for Radiation Medicine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Vladimir Drozdovitch
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Elena Bakhanova
- National Research Centre for Radiation Medicine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Natalya Babkina
- National Research Centre for Radiation Medicine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Dimitry Bazyka
- National Research Centre for Radiation Medicine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Maureen Hatch
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Natalya Trotsuk
- National Research Centre for Radiation Medicine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Lydia Zablotska
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ivan Golovanov
- Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Centre, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nickolas Luckyanov
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - André Bouville
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Jeffery CJ, Clark SM, Pinks TR, Stokes RP. A proposed method for retrospective eye dose assessments for the purposes of resolving cataract compensation claims. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2015; 35:229-233. [PMID: 25693605 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/35/1/229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The 2011 International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) statement on tissue reactions suggested a significant reduction in the threshold dose for radiation induced cataracts. This, combined with the potential for a long delay between exposure and cataract diagnosis, may result in an increased requirement to evaluate eye dose from past exposures in order to settle current compensation claims. This article highlights how compensation claims relating to radiation exposure are assessed within the UK legal system and suggests that in vivo Electro Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) dosimetry of teeth has utility for the retrospective quantification of radiation doses to the eye. It was identified that in vivo EPR in its current form may be sufficiently sensitive to support cataract compensation claims, although further work is required to enable appropriate dose conversion coefficients to be quantified.
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23
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Bouville A, Kryuchkov V. Increased occupational radiation doses: nuclear fuel cycle. HEALTH PHYSICS 2014; 106:259-271. [PMID: 24378501 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000000066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The increased occupational doses resulting from the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident that occurred in Ukraine in April 1986, the reactor accident of Fukushima that took place in Japan in March 2011, and the early operations of the Mayak Production Association in Russia in the 1940s and 1950s are presented and discussed. For comparison purposes, the occupational doses due to the other two major reactor accidents (Windscale in the United Kingdom in 1957 and Three Mile Island in the United States in 1979) and to the main plutonium-producing facility in the United States (Hanford Works) are also covered but in less detail. Both for the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident and the routine operations at Mayak, the considerable efforts made to reconstruct individual doses from external irradiation to a large number of workers revealed that the recorded doses had been overestimated by a factor of about two.Introduction of Increased Occupational Exposures: Nuclear Industry Workers. (Video 1:32, http://links.lww.com/HP/A21).
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Affiliation(s)
- André Bouville
- *National Cancer Institute (retired), 9609 Medical Drive, Room 7E590, MSC 9778, Rockville, MD 20850; †Federal Medical Biological Agency, Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, 46 Zhivopisnaya Street, 123182, Moscow, Russia
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24
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Chumak VV. Retrospective dosimetry of populations exposed to reactor accident: Chernobyl example, lesson for Fukushima. RADIAT MEAS 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2012.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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25
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Mousseau TA, Møller AP. Elevated frequency of cataracts in birds from chernobyl. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66939. [PMID: 23935827 PMCID: PMC3728354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiation cataracts develop as a consequence of the effects of ionizing radiation on the development of the lens of the eye with an opaque lens reducing or eliminating the ability to see. Therefore, we would expect cataracts to be associated with reduced fitness in free-living animals. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We investigated the incidence of lens opacities typical of cataracts in more than 1100 free-living birds in the Chernobyl region in relation to background radiation. The incidence of cataracts increased with level of background radiation both in analyses based on a dichotomous score and in analyses of continuous scores of intensity of cataracts. The odds ratio per unit change in the regressor was 0.722 (95% CI 0.648, 0.804), which was less than odds ratios from investigations of radiation cataracts in humans. The relatively small odds ratio may be due to increased mortality in birds with cataracts. We found a stronger negative relationship between bird abundance and background radiation when the frequency of cataracts was higher, but also a direct effect of radiation on abundance, suggesting that radiation indirectly affects abundance negatively through an increase in the frequency of cataracts in bird populations, but also through direct effects of radiation on other diseases, food abundance and interactions with other species. There was no increase in incidence of cataracts with increasing age, suggesting that yearlings and older individuals were similarly affected as is typical of radiation cataract. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These findings suggest that cataracts are an under-estimated cause of morbidity in free-living birds and, by inference, other vertebrates in areas contaminated with radioactive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Alexander Mousseau
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Anders Pape Møller
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS UMR 8079, Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, France
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26
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Get Protected: The Eyes Have It. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2013; 24:205-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Abstract
Until very recently, ocular exposure guidelines were based on the assumption that radiation cataract is a deterministic event requiring threshold doses generally greater than 2 Gy. This view was, in part, based on older studies which generally had short follow-up periods, failed to take into account increasing latency as dose decreased, had relatively few subjects with doses below a few Gy, and were not designed to detect early lens changes. Newer findings, including those in populations exposed to much lower radiation doses and in subjects as diverse as astronauts, medical workers, atomic bomb survivors, accidentally exposed individuals, and those undergoing diagnostic or radiotherapeutic procedures, strongly suggest dose-related lens opacification at significantly lower doses. These observations resulted in a recent re-evaluation of current lens occupational exposure guidelines, and a proposed lowering of the presumptive radiation cataract threshold to 0.5 Gy/year and the occupational lens exposure limit to 20 mSv/year, regardless of whether received as an acute, protracted, or chronic exposure. Experimental animal studies support these conclusions and suggest a role for genotoxicity in the development of radiation cataract. Recent findings of a low or even zero threshold for radiation-induced lens opacification are likely to influence current research efforts and directions concerning the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this pathology. Furthermore, new guidelines are likely to have significant implications for occupational and/or accidental exposure, and the need for occupational eye protection (e.g. in fields such as interventional medicine).
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Kleiman
- Eye Radiation and Environmental Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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28
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Chumak VV. The Chernobyl experience in the area of retrospective dosimetry. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2012; 32:N59-N63. [PMID: 22394623 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/32/1/n59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The Chernobyl accident, which occurred on 26 April 1986 at a nuclear power plant located less than 150 km north of Kiev, was the largest nuclear accident to date. The unprecedented scale of the accident was determined not only by the amount of released activity, but also by the number of workers and of the general public involved, and therefore exposed to increased doses of ionising radiation. Due to the unexpected and large scale of the accident, dosimetry techniques and practices were far from the optimum; personal dosimetry of cleanup workers (liquidators) was not complete, and there were no direct measurements of the exposures of members of the public. As a result, an acute need for retrospective dose assessment was dictated by radiation protection and research considerations. In response, substantial efforts have been made to reconstruct doses for the main exposed cohorts, using a broad variety of newly developed methods: analytical, biological and physical (electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of teeth, thermoluminescence of quartz) and modelling. This paper reviews the extensive experience gained by the National Research Center for Radiation Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Ukraine in the field of retrospective dosimetry of large cohorts of exposed population and professionals. These dose reconstruction projects were implemented, in particular, in the framework of epidemiological studies, designed to follow-up the medical consequences of the Chernobyl accident and study health effects of ionizing radiation, particularly Ukrainian-American studies of cataracts and leukaemia among liquidators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim V Chumak
- National Research Center for Radiation Medicine NAMS Ukraine 04050, Melnikova 53, Kiev, Ukraine.
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29
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Gualdrini G, Mariotti F, Wach S, Bilski P, Denoziere M, Daures J, Bordy JM, Ferrari P, Monteventi F, Fantuzzi E. Eye lens dosimetry: task 2 within the ORAMED project. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2011; 144:473-477. [PMID: 21335629 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncr011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The ORAMED (Optimization of RAdiation protection for MEDical staff) project is funded by EU-EURATOM within the 7° Framework Programme. Task 2 of the project is devoted to study the dose to the eye lens. The study was subdivided into various topics, starting from a critical revision of the operational quantity H(p)(3), with the corresponding proposal of a cylindrical phantom simulating as best as possible the head in which the eyes are located, the production of a complete set of air kerma to dose equivalent conversion coefficients for photons from 10 keV to 10 MeV, and finally, the optimisation of the design of a personal dosemeter well suited to respond in terms of H(p)(3). The paper presents some preliminary results.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gualdrini
- ENEA-IRP Radiation Protection Institute, Via dei Colli 16, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
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30
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Jensen K, Zangani L, Martinsen AC, Sandbæk G. Changes in dose-area product, entrance surface dose, and lens dose to the radiologist in a vascular interventional laboratory when an old X-ray system is exchanged with a new system. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2010; 34:717-22. [PMID: 21069332 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-010-0017-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2010] [Accepted: 10/07/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare dose-area product (DAP), entrance surface dose (ESD), and lens dose to radiologists for an old and a new X-ray system in a vascular interventional laboratory. MATERIALS AND METHODS DAP, ESD, fluoroscopy time, number of images, and patient weight were recorded for patients undergoing the following four procedures: percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stenting (divided into two subgroups, lower extremities and pelvis), nephrostomy, and treatment for varicocele. Halfway through the registration period, the 9-year-old X-ray equipment was exchanged with a new system. Lens doses to the radiologist were measured. RESULTS There was a reduction in DAP for all procedures: PTA lower extremities 31% (12-8 Gy cm(2)), PTA/stenting pelvis 67% (134-44 Gy cm(2)), nephrostomy 39% (7-4 Gy cm(2)), and varicocele 70% (37-11 Gy cm(2)). The reduction in number of images was 17% (158-131), 23% (153-118), 68% (2-1), and 31% (50-35), explaining a part of the dose reduction. The reduction in ESD was 33, 60, 38, and 46%. The differences in measured lens doses indicate a dose reduction in three procedures (19-53%) and an increase in one (56%), but differences are not statistically significant. CONCLUSION DAP and ESD from the X-ray system were reduced for all procedures. The reduction was greater in the more radiation-demanding procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Jensen
- The Interventional Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, P.B. 4950 Nydalen 0424, Oslo, Norway.
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Shore RE, Neriishi K, Nakashima E. Epidemiological studies of cataract risk at low to moderate radiation doses: (not) seeing is believing. Radiat Res 2010; 174:889-94. [PMID: 21128813 DOI: 10.1667/rr1884.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The prevailing belief for some decades has been that human radiation-related cataract occurs only after relatively high doses; for instance, the ICRP estimates that brief exposures of at least 0.5-2 Sv are required to cause detectable lens opacities and 5 Sv for vision-impairing cataracts. For protracted exposures, the ICRP estimates the corresponding dose thresholds as 5 Sv and 8 Sv, respectively. However, several studies, especially in the last decade, indicate that radiation-associated opacities occur at much lower doses. Several studies suggest that medical or environmental radiation exposure to the lens confers risk of opacities at doses well under 1 Sv. Among Japanese A-bomb survivors, risks for cataracts necessitating lens surgery were seen at doses under 1 Gy. The confidence interval on the A-bomb dose threshold for cataract surgery prevalence indicated that the data are compatible with a dose threshold ranging from none up to only 0.8 Gy, similar to the dose threshold for minor opacities seen among Chernobyl clean-up workers with primarily protracted exposures. Findings from various studies indicate that radiation risk estimates are probably not due to confounding by other cataract risk factors and that risk is seen after both childhood and adult exposures. The recent data are instigating reassessments of guidelines by various radiation protection bodies regarding permissible levels of radiation to the eye. Among the future epidemiological research directions, the most important research need is for adequate studies of vision-impairing cataract after protracted radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy E Shore
- Radiation Effects Research Foundation, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.
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Hazin R, Abuzetun JY, Daoud YJ, Abu-Khalaf MM. Ocular complications of cancer therapy: a primer for the ophthalmologist treating cancer patients. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2009; 20:308-17. [PMID: 19491683 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0b013e32832c9007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cancer patients may develop ocular complications secondary to direct or metastatic involvement with cancer, radiation exposure, or chemotherapy. As many as 1.4 million new cancer cases arise in the United States annually. RECENT FINDINGS Chemotherapy administration remains a critical aspect of treating many cancers and offers improved prognosis and prolonged survival in many cases; however, these therapies are known to cause a wide range of toxicities. SUMMARY Ocular side effects such as photophobia, cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy, and other ocular toxicities have been reported following chemotherapy administration. To effectively treat cancer patients, oncologists, primary care clinicians, and ophthalmologists should be aware of the potential ophthalmic toxicities certain widely used chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy may pose to their patients, particularly in the setting of preexisting ocular conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ribhi Hazin
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Kryuchkov V, Chumak V, Maceika E, Anspaugh LR, Cardis E, Bakhanova E, Golovanov I, Drozdovitch V, Luckyanov N, Kesminiene A, Voillequé P, Bouville A. Radrue method for reconstruction of external photon doses for Chernobyl liquidators in epidemiological studies. HEALTH PHYSICS 2009; 97:275-98. [PMID: 19741357 PMCID: PMC2930607 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0b013e3181ac9306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Between 1986 and 1990, several hundred thousand workers, called "liquidators" or "clean-up workers," took part in decontamination and recovery activities within the 30-km zone around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine, where a major accident occurred in April 1986. The Chernobyl liquidators were mainly exposed to external ionizing radiation levels that depended primarily on their work locations and the time after the accident when the work was performed. Because individual doses were often monitored inadequately or were not monitored at all for the majority of liquidators, a new method of photon (i.e., gamma and x rays) dose assessment, called "RADRUE" (Realistic Analytical Dose Reconstruction with Uncertainty Estimation), was developed to obtain unbiased and reasonably accurate estimates for use in three epidemiologic studies of hematological malignancies and thyroid cancer among liquidators. The RADRUE program implements a time-and-motion dose-reconstruction method that is flexible and conceptually easy to understand. It includes a large exposure rate database and interpolation and extrapolation techniques to calculate exposure rates at places where liquidators lived and worked within approximately 70 km of the destroyed reactor. The RADRUE technique relies on data collected from subjects' interviews conducted by trained interviewers, and on expert dosimetrists to interpret the information and provide supplementary information, when necessary, based upon their own Chernobyl experience. The RADRUE technique was used to estimate doses from external irradiation, as well as uncertainties, to the bone marrow for 929 subjects and to the thyroid gland for 530 subjects enrolled in epidemiologic studies. Individual bone marrow dose estimates were found to range from less than one muGy to 3,300 mGy, with an arithmetic mean of 71 mGy. Individual thyroid dose estimates were lower and ranged from 20 muGy to 507 mGy, with an arithmetic mean of 29 mGy. The uncertainties, expressed in terms of geometric standard deviations, ranged from 1.1 to 5.8, with an arithmetic mean of 1.9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Kryuchkov
- Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center (formerly Institute of Biophysics), 46 Zhivopisnaya Street, 123182, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Vadim Chumak
- Research Center for Radiation Medicine AMS Ukraine, 53, Melnikova Street, 04050, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Evaldas Maceika
- Institute of Physics, 231, Savanoriu, LT-02300 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Lynn R. Anspaugh
- University of Utah, Division of Radiobiology, 729 Arapeen Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
| | - Elisabeth Cardis
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
- Municipal Institute of Medical Research (IMIM-Hospital del Mar), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Bakhanova
- Research Center for Radiation Medicine AMS Ukraine, 53, Melnikova Street, 04050, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Ivan Golovanov
- Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center (formerly Institute of Biophysics), 46 Zhivopisnaya Street, 123182, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir Drozdovitch
- DHHS/NIH/NCI/Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, 6120 Executive Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nickolas Luckyanov
- DHHS/NIH/NCI/Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, 6120 Executive Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ausrele Kesminiene
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150, Cours Albert Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Paul Voillequé
- MJP Risk Assessment, Inc., P. O. Box 200937, Denver, CO 80220-0937, USA
| | - André Bouville
- DHHS/NIH/NCI/Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, 6120 Executive Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Ainsbury EA, Bouffler SD, Dörr W, Graw J, Muirhead CR, Edwards AA, Cooper J. Radiation cataractogenesis: a review of recent studies. Radiat Res 2009; 172:1-9. [PMID: 19580502 DOI: 10.1667/rr1688.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The lens of the eye is recognized as one of the most radiosensitive tissues in the human body, and it is known that cataracts can be induced by acute doses of less than 2 Gy of low-LET ionizing radiation and less than 5 Gy of protracted radiation. Although much work has been carried out in this area, the exact mechanisms of radiation cataractogenesis are still not fully understood. In particular, the question of the threshold dose for cataract development is not resolved. Cataracts have been classified as a deterministic effect of radiation exposure with a threshold of approximately 2 Gy. Here we review the combined results of recent mechanistic and human studies regarding induction of cataracts by ionizing radiation. These studies indicate that the threshold for cataract development is certainly less than was previously estimated, of the order of 0.5 Gy, or that radiation cataractogenesis may in fact be more accurately described by a linear, no-threshold model.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Ainsbury
- Health Protection Agency, Radiation Protection Division, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
This paper presents a critical review of dosimetric monitoring practices during Chernobyl cleanup from 1986 to 1990. Dosimetric monitoring is considered in time evolution with respect to legislative background (including dose limits), methods of dose assessment, and coverage of workers with radiation monitoring programs as well as availability of data on individual doses of liquidators. Four large independent dosimetry services (Administration of Construction No. 605, Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Production Association "Combinat," and the troops) had operated in Chernobyl covering different cohorts of cleanup workers with dosimetric monitoring of variable quality and comprehension. Extremes in this range were presented by the highly professional dosimetry service of the Administration of Construction No. 605 (USSR Ministry of Medium Machinery), which had provided total coverage of workers with high quality individual thermoluminescent dosimeter monitoring, and military (troops of the USSR Ministry of Defense) who had received the least precise group dosimetry, which, however, had covered the whole population of military cleanup workers. The main groups of liquidators are considered from the point of view of completeness and quality of their dosimetric data. Main gaps in dosimetric data and limitations of existing dose records are identified. The issues of evolution of dose limits and problems of monitoring internal and beta exposure are considered from the point of view of significance of these components and the need for missing information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim V Chumak
- Scientific Center for Radiation Medicine AMS Ukraine, 04050, Melnikova 53, Kiev, Ukraine.
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Worgul BV, Kundiyev YI, Sergiyenko NM, Chumak VV, Vitte PM, Medvedovsky C, Bakhanova EV, Junk AK, Kyrychenko OY, Musijachenko NV, Shylo SA, Vitte OP, Xu S, Xue X, Shore RE. Cataracts among Chernobyl Clean-up Workers: Implications Regarding Permissible Eye Exposures. Radiat Res 2007; 167:233-43. [PMID: 17390731 DOI: 10.1667/rr0298.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The eyes of a prospective cohort of 8,607 Chernobyl clean-up workers (liquidators) were assessed for cataract at 12 and 14 years after exposure. The prevalence of strictly age-related cataracts was low, as expected (only 3.9% had nuclear cataracts at either examination), since 90% of the cohort was younger than 55 years of age at first examination. However, posterior subcapsular or cortical cataracts characteristic of radiation exposure were present in 25% of the subjects. The data for Stage 1 cataracts, and specifically for posterior subcapsular cataracts, revealed a significant dose response. When various cataract end points were analyzed for dose thresholds, the confidence intervals all excluded values greater than 700 mGy. Linear-quadratic dose-response models yielded mostly linear associations, with weak evidence of upward curvature. The findings do not support the ICRP 60 risk guideline assumption of a 5-Gy threshold for "detectable opacities" from protracted exposures but rather point to a dose-effect threshold of under 1 Gy. Thus, given that cataract is the dose-limiting ocular pathology in current eye risk guidelines, revision of the allowable exposure of the human visual system to ionizing radiation should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- B V Worgul
- Eye Radiation and Environmental Research Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
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