Norway has been an active participant in several UNSCEAR evaluations, notably the study of effects resulting from the Fukushima accident and the recent study of dose calculations for exposure to radon. Partly as result of this participation, we can now celebrate that Norway has been invited to become an official member of UNSCEAR. This week, DSA Director General, Per Strand, will attend the 69th Session of the Committee as the representative from Norway.
"Becoming a member of UNSCEAR is a recognition of Norway's input and participation. UNSCEAR work to gather and evaluate knowledge about the effects of radiation is also important for DSA's national responsibilities" says Per Strand.
On December 3, 1955, the General Assembly of the United Nations unanimously approved resolution 913(X), which created the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). Its mandate is to collect and evaluate information on the levels and effects of ionizing radiation. Originally, the Committee comprised of senior scientists from 15 designated UN Member States, namely Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, United States, France, India, Japan, Mexico, United Kingdom, Sweden, the then Czechoslovakia and USSR. Membership has increased over time and, in December 2021, Committee membership increased to total of 31, when Norway was invited to become a member of the Committee.