In 1955, the UN’s General Assembly, reacting to wide-spread global concern over the effects of radiation exposure to human health and the environment, established the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, UNSCEAR. The committee consists of scientists from 21 member states. The head of the German UNSCEAR delegation as well as the vice-chair of the committee is staff member of BfS.

Although the work of the UNSCEAR Committee is carried out by 21 member states, it is performed on the behalf of all member states of the United Nations and the international scientific community.

The Committee develops detailed reports to the UN General Assembly, which are published by the United Nations. These are highly regarded as authoritative reviews, examining radiation exposure from natural sources, nuclear power production and nuclear weapon tests, medical diagnosis and treatment, and occupational radiation sources. The Committee also reviews detailed assessments on radiation-induced cancer and hereditary diseases, as well as the radiological consequences of accidents.

As part of the activities to mark the 50^th anniversary of UNSCEAR, Japan has sponsored efforts have been undertaken to make available electronically all 15 UNSCEAR publications on the internet.