How dangerous is low level radiation?
Problems in the theoretical basis for the linear-no threshold theory of radiation carcinogenesis are reviewed, and it is shown that they very strongly suggest that the theory greatly overestimates the risk of low level radiation. A direct test of the theory, based on the radon-lung cancer relationship is described; it strongly reinforces that conclusion. However, it is shown that even if the linear-no threshold theory is valid, the public's fear of low level radiation, at least in some contexts, is grossly exaggerated.
Cohen
B L
BL
University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA.
D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D011634:Public Health; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011830:Radiation Effects; D011886:Radon / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018570:Risk Assessment
D011886:Radon