United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation
Encyclopedia
The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) was set up by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly
in 1955. 21 countries are designated to provide scientists to serve as members of the committee which holds formal meetings (sessions) annually and submits a report to the General Assembly. The organisation has no power to set radiation standards nor to make recommendations in regard to nuclear testing. It was established solely to "define precisely the present exposure of the population of the world to ionizing radiation."
are issued, as of July 2011, there are 20 major publications from 1958 report to 2010 report. The reports are all available from the UNSCEAR website. These works are very highly regarded as sources of authoritative information and are used throughout the world as scientific basis for evaluation of radiation risk. The publications review studies undertaken separately from a range of sources. Reports from UN member states and other international organisations on data from survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
, the Chernobyl disaster
, accidental, occupational, and medical exposure to ionizing radiation.
Originally, in 1955, India and the Soviet Union wanted to add several neutralist and communist nations, such as mainland China. Eventually a compromise with the US was made and Argentina, Belgium, Egypt and Mexico were permitted to join. The organisation was charged with collecting all available data on the effects of "ionising radiation upon man and his environment." (James J. Wadsworth - American representative to the General Assembly).
The Committee was originally based in the Secretariat Building in New York City, but moved to Vienna in 1974.
The Secretaries of the Committee have been:
Dr. Ray K. Appleyard (UK) (1956–1961)
Dr. Francesco Sella (Italy) (1961–1974)
Dr. Dan Jacobo Beninson
(Argentina) (1974–1979)
Dr. Giovanni Silini (Italy) (1980–1988)
Dr. Burton Bennett (1988 acting; 1991–2000)
Dr. Norman Gentner (2001–2004; 2005 acting)
Dr. Malcolm Crick (2005–present)
"UNSCEAR 2008 REPORT Vol.I" main report and 2 scientific annexes
"UNSCEAR 2008 REPORT Vol.II" 3 scientific annexes
United Nations General Assembly
For two articles dealing with membership in the General Assembly, see:* General Assembly members* General Assembly observersThe United Nations General Assembly is one of the five principal organs of the United Nations and the only one in which all member nations have equal representation...
in 1955. 21 countries are designated to provide scientists to serve as members of the committee which holds formal meetings (sessions) annually and submits a report to the General Assembly. The organisation has no power to set radiation standards nor to make recommendations in regard to nuclear testing. It was established solely to "define precisely the present exposure of the population of the world to ionizing radiation."
Overview
Less frequently major public reports on Sources and Effects of Ionizing RadiationIonizing radiation
Ionizing radiation is radiation composed of particles that individually have sufficient energy to remove an electron from an atom or molecule. This ionization produces free radicals, which are atoms or molecules containing unpaired electrons...
are issued, as of July 2011, there are 20 major publications from 1958 report to 2010 report. The reports are all available from the UNSCEAR website. These works are very highly regarded as sources of authoritative information and are used throughout the world as scientific basis for evaluation of radiation risk. The publications review studies undertaken separately from a range of sources. Reports from UN member states and other international organisations on data from survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
During the final stages of World War II in 1945, the United States conducted two atomic bombings against the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, the first on August 6, 1945, and the second on August 9, 1945. These two events are the only use of nuclear weapons in war to date.For six months...
, the Chernobyl disaster
Chernobyl disaster
The Chernobyl disaster was a nuclear accident that occurred on 26 April 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine , which was under the direct jurisdiction of the central authorities in Moscow...
, accidental, occupational, and medical exposure to ionizing radiation.
Originally, in 1955, India and the Soviet Union wanted to add several neutralist and communist nations, such as mainland China. Eventually a compromise with the US was made and Argentina, Belgium, Egypt and Mexico were permitted to join. The organisation was charged with collecting all available data on the effects of "ionising radiation upon man and his environment." (James J. Wadsworth - American representative to the General Assembly).
The Committee was originally based in the Secretariat Building in New York City, but moved to Vienna in 1974.
The Secretaries of the Committee have been:
Dr. Ray K. Appleyard (UK) (1956–1961)
Dr. Francesco Sella (Italy) (1961–1974)
Dr. Dan Jacobo Beninson
Dan Jacobo Beninson
Dan Jacobo Beninson was an Argentine radiation expert who worked for the Argentine Atomic Energy Commission since 1955 holding different posts....
(Argentina) (1974–1979)
Dr. Giovanni Silini (Italy) (1980–1988)
Dr. Burton Bennett (1988 acting; 1991–2000)
Dr. Norman Gentner (2001–2004; 2005 acting)
Dr. Malcolm Crick (2005–present)
Contents of UNSCEAR 2008 report
UNSCEAR has published 20 major reports, latest is the summary 2010 (14 pages), last full report is 2008 report Vol.I and Vol.II with scientific annexes (A to E)."UNSCEAR 2008 REPORT Vol.I" main report and 2 scientific annexes
- Report to the General Assembly (without scientific annexes; 24 pages)
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- Includes short overviews of the materials and conclusions contained in the scientific annexes
- Scientific Annex
"UNSCEAR 2008 REPORT Vol.II" 3 scientific annexes