Radiation dosage charts

Two fascinating visual takes on radiation dosages:

One from Information is Beautiful:

http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/radiation-dosage-chart/

- and one from XKCD:

http://xkcd.com/radiation/

Mark

Article in New Scientist: Satellite snaps extent of Japan's post-quake blackout

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Interesting imaging showing how much of northern Japan was left without power the day after the recent earthquake:


http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/03/extent-of-post-quake-blackout.html

MG Article: The health and socioeconomic impacts of major multi-sport events: systematic review (1978-2008)

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A link to an interesting article from last year.

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The health and socioeconomic impacts of major multi-sport events: systematic review (1978-2008)

OPEN ACCESS

1. Gerry McCartney, specialist registrar in public health1, 
2. Sian Thomas, systematic reviewer2, 
3. Hilary Thomson, senior investigator scientist1,
4. John Scott, public health librarian3, 
5. Val Hamilton, freelance information scientist4, 
6. Phil Hanlon, professor of public health5, 
7. David S Morrison, clinical senior lecturer in cancer epidemiology and director6, 
8. Lyndal Bond, professor and associate director1

+Author Affiliations

1. ¹Medical Research Council Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Glasgow
2. ²Sandside, Isle of Graemsay, Stromness, Orkney
3. ³Public Health Resource Unit, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow
4. ⁴VRH Information Services, Aundorach House, Nethy Bridge, Highlands
5. ⁵Section of Public Health and Health Policy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow
6. ⁶West of Scotland Cancer Surveillance Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow

1. Correspondence to: G McCartney gmccartney@nhs.net

• Accepted 2 March 2010

Abstract

Objective To assess the effects of major multi-sport events on health and socioeconomic determinants of health in the population of the city hosting the event.

Design Systematic review.

Data sources We searched the following sources without language restrictions for papers published between 1978 and 2008: Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), British Humanities Index (BHI), Cochrane database of systematic reviews, Econlit database, Embase, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) database, Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC) database, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS), Medline, PreMedline, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, Sportdiscus, Web of Knowledge, Worldwide Political Science Abstracts, and the grey literature.

Review methods Studies of any design that assessed the health and socioeconomic impacts of major multi-sport events on the host population were included. We excluded studies that used exclusively estimated data rather than actual data, that investigated host population support for an event or media portrayals of host cities, or that described new physical infrastructure. Studies were selected and critically appraised by two independent reviewers.

Results Fifty four studies were included. Study quality was poor, with 69% of studies using a repeat cross-sectional design and 85% of quantitative studies assessed as being below 2+ on the Health Development Agency appraisal scale, often because of a lack of comparison group. Five studies, each with a high risk of bias, reported health related outcomes, which were suicide, paediatric health service demand, presentations for asthma in children (two studies), and problems related to illicit drug use. Overall, the data did not indicate clear negative or positive health impacts of major multi-sport eventson host populations. The most frequently reported outcomes were economic outcomes (18 studies). The outcomes used were similar enough to allow us to perform a narrative synthesis, but the overall impact of major multi-sport eventson economic growth and employment was unclear. Two thirds of the economic studies reported increased economic growth or employment immediately after the event, but all these studies used some estimated data in their models, failed to account for opportunity costs, or examined only short term effects. Outcomes for transport were also similar enough to allow synthesis of six of the eight studies, which showed that event related interventions—including restricted car use and public transport promotion—were associated with significant short term reductions in traffic volume, congestion, or pollution in four out of five cities.

Conclusions The available evidence is not sufficient to confirm or refute expectations about the health or socioeconomic benefits for the host population of previous major multi-sport events. Future events such as the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, or the 2014 Commonwealth Games, cannot be expected to automatically provide benefits. Until decision makers include robust, long term evaluations as part of their design and implementation ofevents, it is unclear how the costs of major multi-sport events can be justified in terms of benefits to the host population.

Member response Japan: Dr Gerry Moy, Consultant

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Comments re. Japan response:

Dr Gerry Moy, Consultant

March 17

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Dear Colleagues,

If one looks at natural disasters as "unplanned mass gatherings", we might envisage the adaptation of our VIAG tools to address various severity scenarios.   We know that careful planning and preparedness are the keys to control and timely response, but there is always some chaos of the moment.  This is obviously true with natural disasters.  While we all agree that self-responders can make matters worse, perhaps it is possible to harness this phenomenon, for example, by providing them with something useful to do, preferably away from the affected area.  You might recall in the Hollywood Westerns, women would send the men folk out to "boil water" during  a child birth. 

However, it may be that some self-responders have skills that may be useful.  For example, if local healthcare workers are overwhelmed by mass casualties, additional doctors and nurses would obviously be helpful.  Right now in Japan I am sure they would be interested in experienced nuclear plant technicians who would willing to use up their annual exposure limits to try to help forestall a nuclear meltdown.  Unfortunately, there is probably no mechanism in place to identify, transport and support such persons in a timely and coordinated manner.  

Note that I have not had any experience in a natural disaster and I have no idea who these self-responders are and whether they have anything to offer.  It is also unclear in what capacity they are entering the country and how they maintain themselves, i.e. hotels and meals.  However, my point is that VIAG might explicitly address this "problem" and if possible, develop a mechanism to channel these human resources to be part of the "solution".

Best regards,

Gerry

Member response Japan: Dr Mike Hills, Consultant

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Comments re. Japan response:

Dr Mike Hills, Consultant

March 17

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I can only agree with Graeme [McColl] and Paul [Arbon] and Bonnie [Henry].

My experience and the post-Tsunami work... strongly emphasised this.

Haiti again demonstrated the dangers of well-meaning but inappropriate interventions.

I am encouraged however that the specific Australian media coverage on Australian support has highlighted the rapid and formal response of the national teams under the UN USAR framework and as a government organised intaitive.

Unlike the past the response seems to have been much more clearly explained to the public and may have lessened to self-responders (however I can't say - especially in Graeme's situation - how many headed across to NZ - I just haven't heard much about them).

My thoughts continue to be with the people affected and coleagues who are working in all of these areas - take care.

Mike.

Member response Japan: Bonnie Henry, MD MPH FRCP(C), Director, Public Health Emergency Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control

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Comments re. Japan response:

Bonnie Henry MD MPH FRCP(C)
Director, Public Health Emergency Services
BC Centre for Disease Control

Assistant Professor, School of Population and Public Health,
University of British Columbia

March 17

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...I think both Paul [Arbon] and Graeme [McColl] have expressed the issue very eloquently.

In British Columbia we are currently dealing with an overabundance of concern about potential radiation fallout from the nuclear power crisis in Japan that might affect the West coast of Canada (my province BC in particular) and the US, including people rushing to purchase potassium iodide pills.

We have been putting out messaging about the fact there is not health risk now or foreseeable but I think this is really a reflection of people's perception of vulnerability... [t]houghts that if a country so orderly and well prepared as Japan could be hit so hard how could we possibly cope?

We have been trying to divert the concern to people's own personal preparedness for the more likely disasters that could affect us like earthquakes and tsunamis.

The one area I could think of that may be helpful at some point is establishing ongoing surveillance for people affected particularly for the populations nearest the nuclear facilities. Again Japan has experience with this but if requested this is an area where expertise of this group may be helpful.

My Best,

Bonnie

Resource link: High dietary niacin intake is associated with decreased chromosome translocation frequency in airline pilots

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Via VIAG member Prof Dr Aileen Marty:

Br J Nutr. 2011 Feb;105(4):496-505. Epub 2010 Oct 8.

High dietary niacin intake is associated with decreased chromosome translocation frequency in airline pilots.

Yong LC, Petersen MR.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, CDC, Cincinnati, OH, USA. lay7@cdc.gov

Abstract

Experimental studies suggest that B vitamins such as niacin, folate, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 may protect against DNA damage induced by ionising radiation (IR). However, to date, data from IR-exposed human populations are not available. We examined the intakes of these B vitamins and their food sources in relation to the frequency of chromosome translocations as a biomarker of cumulative DNA damage, in eighty-two male airline pilots. Dietary intakes were estimated by using a self-administered semi-quantitative FFQ. Translocations in peripheral blood lymphocytes were scored by using fluorescence in situ hybridisation whole-chromosome painting. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate rate ratios and 95 % CI, adjusted for age and occupational and lifestyle factors. We observed a significant inverse association between translocation frequency and dietary intake of niacin (P = 0·02): adjusted rate ratio for subjects in the highest tertile compared with the lowest tertile was 0·58 (95 % CI 0·40, 0·83). Translocation frequency was not associated with total niacin intake from food and supplements as well as dietary or total intake of folate, riboflavin or vitamin B6 or B12. However, the adjusted rate ratios were significant for subjects with ≥ median compared with < p =" 0·03)" p =" 0·01):">

Member response Japan: Mark Salter, UK Health Protection Agency

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Comments re. Japan response:
Mark Salter
UK Health Protection Agency

March 16

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The thousands of displaced individuals in Japan fall, some would say, between refugees more commonly arising from war and famine in developing countries and those attending larger mass gatherings seen in developed countries.

What they have in common is a need for access to health care and logistical support based on a comprehensive risk assessment.

Expertise across VIAG is prehaps best placed with national autorities and others to contribute to risk assessments in relation to large numbers of the physical able who are displaced from normal services, and prioritising needs.

[...] We can offer a lot but need a focus! Who should focus, tell those who might need what we can offer?

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[Ed note: one of the purposes of opening all these emails up to a public forum is to solicit answers from you to that last question. In the meantime, all collected responses will be analysed and forwarded where relevant to the appropriate contacts].

Resource link: A Medical Managment of Radiological Casualties

Via VIAG member Prof. Dr. Aileen Marty: you can download the third edition of A Medical Management of Radiological Casualties, written by staff at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), from the following link:

http://www.usuhs.mil/afrri/outreach/pdf/3edmmrchandbook.pdf

M