The Effects of Radiation on the Human Body

Abstract

The nuclear reactor of Fukushima power plant finally reached cold shutdown after its world-shaking accident. However, many people are still deeply concerned about the radiation effects on the human body and environment since there is no effective way to decontaminate the radioactive materials in the environment. Recent progress in biology enables us to understand how radiation affects the human body at the molecular level. On the other hand, the biological effects of low-dose radiation and the internal exposure in the long term are controversial since only a limited number of reports are available. Here I review the history and recent progress of radiation biology as well as the ground for the regulation by the government.