Workshop (In-Person)
Effects of Ionising Exposure in Offspring and Next Generations
31 May - 2 June 2022 | Budapest, Hungary
This workshop was jointly organised by Task Group 121 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), the Multidisciplinary European Low Dose Initiative (MELODI) and the European Radioecology Alliance (ALLIANCE). This event took place in parallel with the 6th European IRPA Congress.
The potential for radiation-related deleterious effects in offspring is a recurrent concern for the general public and a major one for (potential) parents exposed to ionising radiation from occupational, medical or environmental sources. There is a lack of knowledge (and subsequent uncertainties in risk estimates) about the fundamental mechanisms underlying potential radiation-induced genetic diseases, the contribution of epigenetic processes to adverse outcomes if any, and the potential contributory role of lifestyle, physiological, and maternal vs paternal factors. This uncertainty is reinforced by the limited human epidemiological evidence and the number of studies at variance either in the laboratory and/or in the field on various fauna and flora species, and between human and non-human species. To provide advice about the level of evidence and consideration of these effects in the system of radiological protection for human and non-human biota, a Task Group of Committee 1 of the ICRP was recently established. In close cooperation with stakeholders, the Task Group 121 will review published literature and consider both preconceptional and postconceptional effects of radiation, addressing genetic and epigenetic effects as well as effects due to the exposure of the embryo and fetus, respectively.
To launch the evaluation on the effects of ionising radiation exposure in offspring and next generations, a workshop was organized together with the broader scientific community, bringing together key experts worldwide in order to compile current knowledge, discuss key issues, identify research needs and to generate in-depth understanding on the topic. The workshop began by defining the scope and objectives of the workshop and of TG 121. It also included a joint session with the IRPA Congress providing an overview on the state-of-the art of the topic to professionals in radiological protection, plenary talks reviewing the main scientific progresses, and breakout group sessions for more detailed discussions. Recordings of this workshop include all presentations and breakout group discussions, with the exception of the joint IRPA-ICRP session. Some presenters from the IRPA-ICRP session have provided their slides below as an additional resource.
Recordings
Breakout Groups
Group A: Hereditary and Epigenetic Effects due to Exposure of Germ Cell Line (Pre-Conceptional Exposure)
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Group B: Effects Arising From Exposure of the Embryo and Fetus (Post-Conceptional Exposure)
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Group C: Transgenerational Effects in Biota
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Group D: Potential Impact on the System of Radiological Protection
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Additional Resources
Day 1 Presentations
Group A: Hereditary and Epigenetic Effects due to Exposure of Germ Cell Line (Pre-Conceptional Exposure)
Group B: Effects Arising From Exposure of the Embryo and Fetus (Post-Conceptional Exposure)
Group C: Transgenerational Effects in Biota
Group D: Potential Impact on the System of Radiological Protection
Day 2 Presentations
Group A: Hereditary and Epigenetic Effects due to Exposure of Germ Cell Line (Pre-Conceptional Exposure)
Group B: Effects Arising From Exposure of the Embryo and Fetus (Post-Conceptional Exposure)
Group C: Transgenerational Effects in Biota
Group D: Potential Impact on the System of Radiological Protection
Day 3 Presentations