Epigenetic effects – potential impact on radiation protection - Cap. 5: Summary Radiation Protection

The European Commission organises every year, in cooperation with the Group of Experts referred to in Article 31 of the Euratom Treaty, a Scientific Seminar on emerging issues in Radiation Protection –generally addressing new research findings with potential policy and/or regulatory implications. Leading scientists are invited to present the status of scientific knowledge in the selected topic. Based on the outcome of the Scientific Seminar, the Group of Experts referred to in Article 31 of the Euratom Treaty may recommend research, regulatory or legislative initiatives. The European Commission takes into account the conclusions of the Experts when setting up its radiation protection programme. The Experts' conclusions are valuable input to the process of reviewing and potentially revising European radiation protection legislation. In November2017,the EU Scientific Seminar covered the issue Epigenetic effects –potential impact on radiation protection.Internationally renowned scientists presented: General Introduction to Epigenetics for Radiation ProtectionistsEpigenetic rather than genetic mechanisms most likely underlie radiation–inducedNon-Targeted EffectsTrans-generational effectsLong non-coding RNAs: new mechanisms regulating sensitivity to ionizing radiationThe presentations were followed by a round table discussion, in which the speakers and additional invited experts discussed potential policy implications and research needs.The Group of Experts discussed this information and drew conclusions that are relevant for consideration by the European Commission and other international bodies.