BEIR VII –The National Academies of Science Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation-VII: The National Academies of Sciences do an update on radiation and health approximately every 10 -15 years. When the Committee on the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII was being formed in 1999, many groups and individuals lodged protests on the biased, conflicted makeup of the committee. After reviewing all the publicly available research by the proposed committee members, letters from were sent to the Academy expressing concerns. Some changes were made in the membership. Below are the letters of concern on the original and amended committees.
The BEIR VII report came out on June 29, 2005. The conclusions are summarized in NIRS press release.
With its most recent draft document on cancer induction by low dose radiation exposure, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has officially recognize the increased dangers of lower doses of radiation. However, as of now, they seem unwilling to incorporate this knowledge into protect measures for the public. Here are NIRS comments (March 18, 2005) on this document, with a link to the document itself.