Nutritional and Health-Related Environmental Studies
Programme Activities of the IAEA's Sub-Programme on Nutritional and Health-Related Environmental Studies
The work carried out under this subprogramme falls into three main areas, all of which have a common basis in using nuclear and isotopic techniques to help improve human health – namely through better nutrition and through protection of selected populations from the deleterious effects of environmental pollution.
The objective of this Sub-Programme is to utilize Member States’ existing capabilities to apply isotopic techniques in areas where they confer advantage in comparison with conventional techniques – and to assist them to improve and expand these capabilities – with reference to a number of different applications in the area of human health, specifically in nutrition, in studies of non-radioactive pollutants, and in monitoring accidentally released radionuclides. The subprogramme addresses problems that are prevalent in developing countries, and it aims to assist such countries to apply these techniques to the solution of health problems that are of high priority in national and international development programmes.
This subprogramme consists of four projects:
Applied Human Nutrition Assessment & Research Using Nuclear and Isotopic Techniques
The purpose of this project is to demonstrate the practical use of nuclear and isotopic techniques as tools for improving the sensitivity of nutrition monitoring techniques, and for identifying effective food and nutrition strategies. Emphasis is given to the solution of problems that have been identified to be of high priority in national and international development programmes.
Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Research Using Nuclear and Related Analytical Techniques
The purpose of this project is to demonstrate the practical use of nuclear and related analytical techniques (mainly NAA, XRF, PIXE and ICP-MS) in studies of non-radioactive environmental pollutants that may impact on human health. Emphasis is given to the solution of problems that have been identified to be of high priority in national and international programmes for sustainable development.
Radionuclides in the Environment
The purpose of this project is to assist Member States – in collaboration with national and international organizations and the IAEA's Division of Nuclear Safety – in undertaking global, regional and local radionuclide measurements, radioactivity monitoring campaigns and research programmes. Emphasis is given to the provision of technical advice, the development and promotion of validated measurement techniques, and the provision of quality assurance and other related measurement services.
Support to Technical Co-operation Activities
The purpose of this project is to support to technical co-operation projects, training courses and other related activities funded through the Department of Technical Co-operation.