Niu Shengli, Deboodt Pascal, Zeeb Hajo (eds.) Approaches to attribution of detrimental health effects to occupational ionizing radiation exposure and their application in compensation programmes for cancer. A practical guide

Jointly prepared by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization. Geneva, ILO (Occupational Safety and Health Series, No. 73), 2010. — 111 p. — ISBN: 978-92-2-122413-6; ISBN: 978-92-2-122414-3.This document provides guidance on procedures and methodology to assess attributability of cancer to occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and to assist decision making regarding compensation of workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation below the relevant dose limits who developed cancer. It is intended in particular for the use of competent authorities, employers and workers, and persons in charge of compensation programmes for occupational diseases, in order to assist governments and social partners to make strategic choices that effectively meld economic efficiency and social protection.The scientific basis of risk attribution. Approaches to attributing health effects to occupational radiation exposure.
Deterministic effects (Dependence on cell killing; Threshold dose values for deterministic effects).
Stochastic effects (Assigned share (probability of causation); Uncertainties; Estimation of assigned share for cancer).
Risk attribution-based compensation programmes. Approaches to assessment in risk attribution-based compensation programmes.
Attributing deterministic effects.
Attributing stochastic effects.
Features of risk attribution-based compensation programmes.
Establishment of risk attribution-based compensation programmes.
Population.
Eligibility.
Assessment criteria.
Input data.
Compensability.
Settlement options.
Administration.
Funding of compensation schemes.
Examples of compensation programmes.
The UK Compensation Scheme for Radiation-Linked Diseases.
The US Department of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program.
The Japanese compensation programme for atomic bomb survivors.
The Russian Federation Compensation Scheme for Radiation-Linked Diseases.
The French compensation programme.
The provisions of the law applicable to workers affected by occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in the Argentine Republic.
Global average occupational exposure and average radiation dose from natural sources.
Biological indicators (“biological dosimetry”).
Dicentric chromosomes.
Micronuclei.
PCC (premature chromosome condensation).
Reciprocal translocations.
EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance; = ESR, electron spin resonance).
γ-H2AX foci.
Comet assay.
A quantitative uncertainty analysis approach to estimation of radiation-related risk.
Modelling of statistical risk estimates.
Correction for random and systematic errors in A-bomb survivor dosimetry.
Dependence of risk on dose and dose rate for low-LET radiation.
Adjustment for radiation quality.
Transfer of ERR from the Japanese to the US population.
Modification by epidemiological risk factors.
General formulation.
Breast cancer: Interaction of radiation and age at first full-term pregnancy.
Lung cancer: Interaction of radiation dose with smoking history.
Non-melanoma skin carcinoma: Interaction between ionizing and ultraviolet radiation.
US Interactive Radio Epidemiological Program (IREP).
The ASQRAD software.