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The article offers information on a research program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy which aims to gain a better understanding of how low-dose radiation affects cellular functioning. Three implementation challenges are discussed including one that involves explaining low-dose effects in a systems biology model, another that arises when issues of population susceptibility are juxtaposed against molecular and mechanistic studies, and another one that concerns integrating the results of radiation epidemiology.

One of the most important challenges facing risk mangers in the coming decades is the joint management of chemical and radiological wastes. Born out of different traditions, radiation and chemical risk approaches can differ sharply. Radiation protection generally focuses on establishing effective dose levels across media and utilizes an approach that incorporates the philosophy of ALARA. In contrast, chemical risk management strategies are medium specific and risk based. In practice these differences can complicate decision making and potentially lead to duplicative efforts. We have undertaken a series of case studies to determine the extent and nature of the barriers that exist with regard to the potential harmonization of risk management approaches. Built upon the results of an interactive workshop held in June 1998, these case studies examine how cleanup decisions were made at a series of contaminated sites around the United States. It is anticipated that these case studies will demonstrate (1) the areas of greatestdiscord among chemical and radiological risk management approaches, and (2) how gaps in approaches could be bridged. This presentation will review the important conclusions of these case studies and (if possible) offer suggestions about how chemical and radiation risk management can be harmonized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]