Mathematical model approach to the biological effects of radiation

Takahiro Wada (Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Kansai University, Japan)

After the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the biological effects of radiation at low dose rates have attracted particular attention. We study the biological effects of radiation from the perspective of mathematical models. In this approach, we first postulate the mechanisms that cause biological effects such as mutations and carcinogenesis. The origin causing a biological effect can be endogenous as well as exogenous, such as radiation. This approach is quite different from statistical methods. In this talk, I will first explain the basic concepts of the mathematical approach. Next, some examples of mathematical models for mutation, carcinogenesis, and life span shortening will be presented. In particular, I will discuss biological recovery effects and dose rate effects.