We focus on studies that have played a prominent role in the literature on the induction of leukemia, and specifically CLL, by ionizing radiation [National Research Council, Committee on the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR V) 1990; United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation 2000].
The Committee Rapporteur, Graham Maitland of South Africa, in introducing the Committee's report to the Assembly, said that the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) in the course of the last 46 years had made a valuable contribution in understanding the risks and effects of ionizing radiation, and further said that UNSCEAR should continue its consultations with scientists from Member States in preparing its future reports.
Among other things, the Assembly asked the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation to continue increasing knowledge of the levels, effects and risks of ionizing radiation (51/121), and declared that international cooperation on the peaceful uses of outer space should be "carried out for the benefit and in the interest of all countries, irrespective of their degree of economic or scientific development, and shall be the province of all mankind" (51/122).
Two texts approved on item on effects of atomic radiation On 3 December, the General Assembly approved two texts without vote relating to the work of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, as recommended by its Special Political Committee.
The Committee on 7 October, after considering the report of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, approved by consensus a draft asking the General Assembly to request the Scientific Committee to continue to increase knowledge of the levels, effects and risks of ionizing radiation from all sources.
