28 October 1981

42nd plenary meeting

Effects of atomic radiation

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolution 913 (X) of 3 December 1955, by which it established the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, and its subsequent resolutions on the subject, including resolution 35/12 of 3 November 1980, by which it, inter alia, requested the Scientific Committee to continue its work,

Taking note with appreciation of the report of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, Concerned about the potentially harmful effects on present and future generations, resulting from the levels of radiation to which man is exposed,

Conscious of the continued need to examine and compile information about atomic and ionizing radiation and to analyse its effects on man and his environment,

Welcoming the decision of the Scientific Committee to submit its report with scientific annexes to the General Assembly at its thirty-seventh session,

1. Commends the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation for the valuable contribution it has been making in the course of the past 26 years, since its inception, to wider knowledge and understanding of the levels, effects and risks of atomic radiation, and for fulfilling its original mandate with scientific authority and independence of judgement;

2. Notes with satisfaction the continued and growing scientific co-operation between the Scientific Committee and the United Nations Environment Programme;

3. Requests the Scientific Committee to continue its work, including its important co-ordinating activities, to increase knowledge of the doses, effects and risks of ionizing radiation from all sources;

4. Endorses the Scientific Committee's intention to continue its activity of scientific review and assessment on behalf of the General Assembly;

5. Requests the United Nations Environment Programme to continue providing support for the effective conduct of the Scientific Committee's work and for the dissemination of its findings to the General Assembly, the scientific community and the public;

6. Expresses its appreciation of the assistance rendered to the Scientific Committee by Member States, the specialized agencies, the International Atomic Energy Agency and non-governmental organizations and invites them to increase their co-operation in this field;

7. Endorses the Scientific Committee's renewed request that Member States and the United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations concerned should provide further relevant data about doses, effects and risks from various sources of radiation, which would greately help the Committee in the preparation of its next major report to the General Assembly.