Title: The significance of the failed historical foundation of linear non-threshold model for cancer risk assessment

Authors: Edward J. Calabrese

Addresses: Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA 01003, USA

Abstract: The linear non-threshold (LNT) single-hit (SH) dose response model for cancer risk assessment is assessed with respect to its historical foundations. This paper examines and summarises how mistakes, ideological biases, and scientific misconduct by key scientists affected the acceptance, validity, and application of the LNT single-hit model for cancer risk assessment. This analysis concludes that the LNT single-hit model was inappropriately adopted for governmental risk assessment, regulatory policy and practices, and for risk communication.

Keywords: dose response; linear dose response; cancer risk assessment; mutation; history of science; threshold dose response; Manhattan Project; National Academy of Sciences.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLR.2020.113534

International Journal of Low Radiation, 2020 Vol.11 No.3/4, pp.173 - 177

Received: 03 Jun 2020
Accepted: 13 Jul 2020

Published online: 10 Mar 2021 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article