RE: Russian Exposure Data - A Goldmine?

["Fischer, Karl" <kfischer@exchange.nih.gov>]

Dr. Davis and other interested Radsafers,

The Joint Coordinating Committee in Radiation Effects Research (JCCRER) is
the group currently overseeing the collection and usage of the Russian
radiation health effects data.  The answers (or links to answers) of most of
your questions may be found at the DOE site for JCCRER:

http://tis-nt.eh.doe.gov/ihp/europe/jccrer.htm

Karl Fischer
NIH

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	1.  Who is currently tracking the Russian (former USSR)
	literature on effects of internal and external radiation based
	on 50 years of USSR experience -- especially that from the
	early days?
	2.  What are the relevant web sites for data and for
	analyses?
	3.  Who is evaluating that literature? ; are there any
	published analyses?
	4.  Are there unanalyzed data that are likely to (or might)
	produce interesting results if analyzed ?  Is the quality of the
	data (e.g., dosimetry) high enough that the error bars on
	results will not negate their value? 
	5.  Are adequate resources (manpower and money) being
	allocated to do whatever it takes to extract useful results
	from the Russian data ?
	6.  Is there any national plan in the US or international plan
	to utilize this data; if so, what is the level of effort and
	schedule?.
	7.  In the opinion of those familiar with the data and results
	is there a reasonable chance that the information gained from
	analysis of this data  for internal and/or external emitters can
	(1) lead to changes in current occupational radiation
	protection standards and/or accident design criteria for
	radiological and nuclear facilities or (2) help us quantify the
	safety margins?

	I'd prefer to keep this thread for information-gathering and
	sharing, not as an opportunity to re-open the pro- vs anti-
	LNT argument.  That will come once we understand more
	about how meaningful and useful this newly analyzed data
	might be.

	Only the opinion of J. P. Davis
	joyced@dnfsb.gov