Society News Archive

12 July 2016
Handbook Offers Guidance to Doctors on Radiation

A new handbook has been compiled with the help of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to better prepare and improve the ability of medical professionals, physicists, and other specialists in Asia and elsewhere to communicate about radiation-related health risks in a nuclear or radiological emergency.

The IAEA said the handbook provides an overview of general radiation history and circumstances of release of radiological material at Fukushima, Japan. It addresses risk perception and advises on how best to deal with psychosomatic symptoms. Topics on preparing for and coping with disasters and risk communication are also included, along with legal and ethical considerations.

The initiative was based on the need for clear and science-based communication. This article is excerpted from an article on World Nuclear News.