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Continuing with our “101” series, Dr. Eric J. Hall of Columbia University spoke to a group of 45 congressional staffers about the basics of Radiation. Dr. Hall has extensive experience in this field, including a bachelors of Science degree from University College in London, a Masters degree and two Doctoral Degrees from Oxford University. He is the author of five books and over 350 journal articles, and has received many awards, honors, and appointments in this field of study. Currently, Dr. Hall is serving as the Director of the Center for Radiological Research for the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University. He is also the Chairman of the Joint Radiation Safety Office at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. He is both the Higgins Professor of Radiation Biophysics and a professor of Radiation Oncology and Radiology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Dr. Eric Hall

Dr. Hall’s presentation focused on the presence of radiation in our everyday life, both from natural sources and those due to human activity. He indicated that natural radiation comes from sources such as cosmic rays, building materials, and the earth’s crust. Radiation from human activity can result from television, medical x-rays, a luminous wristwatch, or nuclear power plants. He went further to quantify the areas of exposure. Fifty five percent of our exposure is due to naturally occurring radon. Medical x-rays and nuclear medicine contribute 15%, followed by various sources including cosmic (8%), consumer products (3%), and other (<1%), which includes both occupational sources and the nuclear fuel cycle.

Dr. Hall also spoke about the biological effects of radiation, including cell damage, mutation, and the destruction of cells. These effects occur when chromosomes are broken during radiation. Division results in the death of the cell, whereas interchanges and translocations result in mutations.

The briefing concluded with a question from the audience concerning what work is being done to find a standard and safe level of radiation exposure. Dr. Hall responded that studies have and will continue to focus on this issue.