COMMENTS ON THE PSYCHOSOCIAL-ASPECTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL-CONFERENCE ON RADIATION AND HEALTH

Summary comments on the psychosocial aspects of the International Conf erence on Radiation and Health highlighted the issues that were salien t in the conference. There was a broad consensus that long-term psycho social effects may turn out to be the most significant source of morbi dity, in addressing health concerns there is a need to consider psycho logical responses, as they may be the source of the high rate of morbi dity and use of health services. The public's response to radiation is one of anxiety, fear, and concerns about lack of control over modern technology. Aside from stress there may be alternative mechanisms that explain the high rates of morbidity, such as direct biological effect s of radiation on the cardiovascular system. The issue of social stigm a is not addressed in most studies of affected populations but may be a potent social force. There is a need for concerned scientists to rea ch a better consensus about the health effects of radiation and to com municate effectively with the lay public. We need more crosscultural r esearch on psychosocial aspects and how to more effectively help affec ted populations. There are auspicious beginnings in this direction.