The Europäische Akademie Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler GmbH is concerned with
the scientific study ofthe consequences of scientific and technological
advance for the individual, society and the natural environment and,
therefore, not least with the study of consequences of recent
developments in life-sciences and medical disci- plines. The Europäische
Akademie intends to contribute to find a rational way for society to
deal with the consequences of scientific progress. This aim is mainly
realised by proposing recommendations for options of action with
long-term social acceptance. The work of the Europäische Akademie mostly
takes place in tempo- rary interdisciplinary project groups, whose
members are recognised scientists from European universities and other
independent institutes. In the light of recent discussions on the
validity of scientific assumptions con- cerning the extrapolation
ofharmful effects into the low-dose range the Europäis- che Akademie set
up a project on "Lew-Dose Exposures in the Environment their Risk
Assessments and Regulatory Processes" in January 2001. Experts
ofradiobi- ology, toxicology, medical epidemiology, modelling,
jurisprudence, psychology and philosophy from different European
countries wcre brought together to discuss cur- rent scientific
developments in environmental standard setting and risk evaluation of
substances and ionising radiation at very low doses in order to ensure
rational, efficient, and fair decisions. I am glad that by means ofthis
memorandum, that continues our work on envi- ronmental standards and
after our recommendations with respect to the regulation ofcombined
agents we can now focus on the effects and the regulation ofharmful
agents in the very low-dose range.
