Ionizing radiation and mitogenetic radiation: two links of the same energetic chain in a biological cell.
Present research demonstrates that the excitation of living systems by high energy/low doses of ionizing radiation (IR) initiates prolonged secondary ultraviolet (UV) range emission that influences biota. When doses of this energy are too high, the process of energy or radiation absorption by the cells causes negative changes (i.e. negative mutations or death). When these doses are sufficiently low, vital processes inside the cells are stimulated and can create positive changes. This paper proposes a common denomination for mechanisms of UV and ionizing radiation when interacting with living cells, underlying both its mitogenetic effect and radiation hormesis. Data from radon exposure in chronically exposed nuclear workers, acutely exposed Hiroshima and Nagasaki victims and observers of atmospheric nuclear explosions, combined with animal results, present irrefutable evidence that low doses of IR are beneficial. As a conclusion the author postulates the possibility of new methods of therapy regarding the use of IR and mitogenetic radiation. This paper has been written to encourage debate regarding possible future benefits that may be derived from low level doses of IR exposure in the general population.
Goraczko
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Radio- and Photochemistry Department, Technical University Poznan, Poznan, Poland. goraczko@sol.put.poznan.pl
D000818:Animals; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008938:Mitosis / Q000528:radiation effects; D017785:Photons; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing