The purpose of this NCRP commentary is to provide the current state of knowledge on the effects of ionizing radiation on the immune system and on latent herpes virus reactivation to the scientific community and government agencies . Its purpose is to better understand radiation - induced latent virus reactivation , which is possibly an underestimated consequence of ionizing radiation exposure . This activity should involve the radiation research community ( academia , industry and regulatory agencies ) and government agencies ( NASA , DOD , CDC ) .