This course will present an overview of the field of radiation epidemiology, with a focus on radiation-related cancer. It will begin with a consideration of basic radiation physics, dosimetry, radiation chemistry and radiobiology. This will serve as a foundation for presentations concerning epidemiologic studies of radiation-exposed populations, including those of the atomic bomb survivors in Japan, medically irradiated populations, and persons with occupational or environmental radiation exposures. Methods for quantifying radiation risks, the use of such information in setting radiation protection standards, and risk communication also will be discussed. Most of the course will focus on ionizing radiation, but non-ionizing radiation will be considered as well. Throughout, the course will stress the importance of radiation dosimetry in epidemiologic studies and highlight key methodologic issues, including challenges in the study of low-dose effects.

The course is intended for persons with an interest in the health effects of exposure to radiation, particularly the relation between ionizing radiation and cancer. The course is aimed primarily at persons with backgrounds in epidemiology who are interested in learning more about radiation. Familiarity with basic epidemiologic concepts, terminology and methods of data analysis will be assumed, but the intent is that most of the material will be understandable by persons with college-level training in basic biology, chemistry and physics.

Course Director: Peter D. Inskip, Sc.D

Registration & Other Information

All interested persons are welcome to attend, but advance registration is required as space may be limited. There is no fee for the course.

For further information contact:

Jenna Nober
Radiation Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute
6120 Executive Boulevard, Room 7087
Rockville, MD 20852
Telephone: (301) 496-5067
Facsimile:(301) 402-0207, (301) 402-5484
e-mail: noberj@mail.nih.gov