1. The Commission recommends the establishment of expanded
and better coordinated health-related radiation effects research. This
research should include, but not be limited to:
a. biological effects of low levels of ionizing radiation;
b. acceptable levels of exposure to ionizing radiation for
the general population and for workers;
c. development of methods of monitoring and surveillance,
including epidemiologic surveillance to monitor and determine the
consequences of exposure to radiation of various population groups,
including workers;
d. development of approaches to mitigate adverse health
effects of exposure to ionizing radiation; and
e. genetic or environmental factors that predispose
individuals to increased susceptibility to adverse effects.
This effort should be coordinated under the National
Institutes of Health -- with an interagency committee of relevant
federal agencies to establish the agenda for research efforts --
including the commitment of a portion of the research budget to meet the
specific needs of the restructured NRC.
2. To ensure the best available review of radiation-related
health issues, including reactor siting issues, policy statements or
regulations in that area of the restructured NRC should be subject to
mandatory review and comment by the Secretary of the Department of
Health and Human Services. A time limit for the review should be
established to assure such review is performed in an expeditious manner.
3. The Commission recommends, as a state and local
responsibility, an increased program for educating health professionals
and emergency response personnel in the vicinity of nuclear power
plants.
4. Utilities must make sufficient advance preparation for
the mitigation of emergencies:
a. Radiation monitors should be available for monitoring of
routine operations as well as accident levels.
b. The emergency control center for health-physics
operations and the analytical laboratory to be used in emergencies
should be located in a well-shielded area supplied with uncontaminated
air.
c. There must be a sufficient health-related supply of
instruments, respirators, and other necessary equipment for both
routine and emergency conditions.
d. There should be an adequate maintenance program for all
such health-related equipment.
5. An adequate supply of the radiation protective (thyroid
blocking) agent, potassium iodide for human use, should be available
regionally for distribution to the general population and workers
affected by a radiological emergency.
