LOW-DOSE RADIATION: Interagency Collaboration on Planning Research Could Improve Information on Health Effects
Abstract
According to EPA, exposure to low doses of radiation does not cause immediate health effects but may increase a persons cancer risk. Federal agencies fund research on cancer risk, but uncertainties remain about risk assessments that federal agencies use to develop radiation protection regulations and guidance. GAO was asked to examine federal agencies radiation protection requirements and guidance and related research. This report (1) describes how selected federal agencies have developed and applied radiation protection requirements and guidance and (2) examines the extent to which federal agencies have funded and collaborated on research on low-dose radiations health effects for fiscal years 2012 to 2016.GAO selected four federal agencies, based on their development of requirements or guidance for settings in which radiation exposure to workers and the public can occur. GAO reviewed agency documentation and interviewed agency officials on the development of the requirements and guidance. GAO also collected and examined federal-funding data for low dose radiation research from seven agencies that fund this research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1174101
Entities
People
- John Neumann
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office