Radiation and health
We work to strengthen radiation protection of the public, patients and workers worldwide. We provide Member States with evidence-based guidance, tools and technical advice on public health issues related to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
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International framework for response

In addition to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and WHO, the key international partners cooperating in this response are: the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organization on Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

WHO is a full party to the Conventions on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident (Early Notification Convention) and Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency (Assistance Convention), for which the IAEA is the focal point. These Conventions provide the prime legal instruments that establish an international framework to facilitate exchange of information and the prompt provision of assistance in the event of radiation accidents, with the aim of minimizing the health consequences.

WHO works closely with IAEA to prepare for and respond to nuclear accidents and radiological emergencies, principally to provide, coordinate and consult medical assistance to victims of such events where severe radiation exposure has occurred. Advice can also be provided to national authorities on how to prepare and respond to such radiation accidents, or what kind of public health actions may be needed.

Emergency medical support for radiation exposed individuals is provided through WHO's Radiation Emergency Medical Preparedness and Assistance Network (REMPAN). This is activated following notification about a radiation accident with casualties (but even in case of a single victim with severe overexposure) from the IAEA or directly to WHO.

Inter-Agency Committee on Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies (IACRNE)

For strengthening coordination in response to radiation emergencies the international organizations with relevant responsibilities have formed IACRNE, where International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the prime coordinating agency. Functional links have been established between agencies to ensure continuous communication prior to, during, and after emergencies and the arrangements are described in the Joint Radiation Emergency Management Plan of the International Organizations (EPR-JPLAN 2013).

More on IACRNE

Incident and emergency centre

Joint radiation emergency management plan of the international organizations

International Health Regulations

In response to the exponential increase in international travel and trade, and emergence and re-emergence of international disease threats and other health risks, 196 countries across the globe have agreed to implement the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR). This binding instrument of international law entered into force on 15 June 2007.

The stated purpose and scope of the IHR are "to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease in ways that are commensurate with and restricted to public health risks, and which avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade." Because the IHR are not limited to specific diseases, but are applicable to health risks, irrespective of their origin or source, they will follow the evolution of diseases and the factors affecting their emergence and transmission. The IHR also require States to strengthen core surveillance and response capacities at the primary, intermediate and national level, as well as at designated international ports, airports and ground crossings. They further introduce a series of health documents, including ship sanitation certificates and an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis for travellers.

International Health Regulations (2005)

Strengthening health security by implementing the International Health Regulations (2005)

 

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