United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation

The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) was set up by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in 1955. 21 countries are designated to provide scientists to serve as members of the committee which holds formal meetings (sessions) annually and submits a report to the General Assembly.

Less frequently major public reports on Sources and Effects of Ionizing Radiation are produced, currently there are 15 although another is due early this year (2007). The reports are all available from the UNSCEAR website. These works are very highly regarded as sources of authoritative information and are used throughout the world as scientific basis for evaluation of radiation risk. The publications review studies undertaken separately from a range of sources. Reports from UN member states and other international organisations on data from survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Chernobyl disaster, occupational and medical exposure to ionising radiation.