Proposal for the Review and Evaluation of the Research and Development Program in the Health Effects of Low-Level Radiation of the Department of Energy for the Period August 1, 1978 - July 31, 1979 Program Description The Acting Assistant Secretary for Environment, Department of Energy (DOE), has requested the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to review the total research program of the DOE related to the effects of low levels of fonizing radiation on man. A thorough review of the existing programs includes the methodologies being used, the objectivity of the studies, their scientific quality, the Department's methods of peer review, an estimate of the adequacy of financial support, and an evaluation of whether the overall program is adequate to ens ve protection of the employees of DOE and their contractors. Afte the initial review, the NAS is further requested to provide independent advice concerning DOE programs at periodic intervals. A previous related project of the NAS which has had the support of the DOE or its predecessor agencies, the Energy Research and Development Administration and the Atomic Energy Commission, is the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (former Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission). Scientific justification: The most debated question and uncertainties regarding the effects on humans of radiation exposure lie in the field of low-level radiation, both as single-dose exposure and in multiple fractionated doses of exposure. The levels in question are those to which workers in radiation plants, the general public in areas of radioactive effluent disposal, and the public receiving medical diagnostic X-rays are exposed. A resolution of the question is necessary in order to establish adequate levels of radiation protection for the workplace and the environment, generally. The plan for execution of the program will require three stages of study: Stage I A steering committee will be appointed with representatives from the breadth of scientific disciplines necessary to accomplish the study. The members of the committee will each serve as chairmen of the site visit teams (vide infra). The steering committee will determine the scope and guidelines which will determine the activities of the site visit teams. e A group of consultants with the necessary expert knowledge and experience will be convened to make site visit reviews of each major program. The site visit studies will include evaluations of the purpose of the research study, the methodology whereby the study