Environmental Radiation Exposures and Cancer Risk

DCEG scientists are studying cancer risks among populations exposed to radiation from

Silhouettes of adults and children and DNA code over a photo of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

Genetic Effects of Chernobyl Radiation

No evidence that exposure to parents resulted in new genetic changes being passed from parent to child.

environmental sources, such as nuclear reactor accidents and fallout from weapons testing. In addition, investigators are studying cancer risks from background radiation and ultraviolet radiation.

Atomic Bomb Survivors
Studies of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, including updates to cancer incidence, radiation dose risk assessment, and molecular genetics studies.

Childhood Leukemia and Background Radiation
A record linkage study designed to investigate the association of childhood leukemia with natural background radiation exposure.

Methodologic Studies of Radioactive Fallout
Investigators are conducting studies estimating radiation doses from radioactive fallout in regions affected by nuclear weapons testing.

Radiation Dosimetry Research to Support Epidemiological Studies
DCEG dosimetry researchers are developing methods for more accurate dose estimates and for reducing uncertainty in epidemiological studies of thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases in persons exposed to radionuclides from the Chernobyl accident and to fallout from nuclear weapons testing.

Thyroid Disease in Young Persons Near Chernobyl
Long-term studies of thyroid cancer among children and adolescents exposed to radioiodines in Ukraine and Belarus following the Chernobyl nuclear accident.

Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure and Cancer Risks
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the primary risk factor for skin cancer. Investigators are using the U.S. Radiologic Technologists Cohort to further understand the risks of UVR exposure.