The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1955. Its mandate in the United Nations system is to assess and report levels and effects of exposure of human and the environment to ionizing radiation. Governments and organizations throughout the world rely on the Committee's estimates as the scientific basis for evaluating radiation risk, for establishing protective measures and for international radiation protection safety standards. The United Nations General Assembly has designated 31 United Nations Member States as members of the Scientific Committee. The States Members nominate representatives and alternate representatives annually on the basis of their scientific qualifications, experience and expertise. Over six decades, the Committee has evolved to become the world independent authority on global levels and effects of ionizing radiation.
