Review of Session 7: non-cancer risk

Abstract

Astronauts in space and cancer patients being treated with ion beam radiotherapy can be exposed to charged particle radiations including energetic protons and heavy ions. These charged particles may be more effective than photons in inducing cancer as well as in causing non-cancer effects. The latter include acute damage from large solar particle events to the blood-forming organs and skin, acute and (from heavier ions) late damage to the central nervous system, and late degenerative damage to the lens of the eye and the cardiovascular, circulatory and respiratory systems. The presentations in this session discussed a number of non-cancer effects of protons and heavier charged particles including acute hematopoietic alterations, potentially detrimental cardiovascular and circulatory effects, and lifespan shortening.