Title: Low-dose radiation risk and the linear no-threshold model

Authors: Jyrki Tapani Kuikka

Addresses: Imaging Centre, Kuopio University Hospital; Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland

Abstract: The Linear No-Threshold (LNT) model has been traditionally used in the field of radiation safety. Public attention to and debate on this model increased after estimates that current Computed Tomography (CT) procedures in the USA will ultimately be responsible for up to 2% of cancers. However, there is evidence that in the mGy range, low doses not only cause a relatively low probability of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, but may also involve adaptive protection against DNA damage. Thus, we have to realise that the dose-response relationship cannot be based on a simple mathematical equation of the first order. The LNT model should be rejected.

Keywords: age; apoptosis; atomic bomb survivors; cancer mortality; computed tomography; CT scanning; genotype; hormesis; DNA damage; linear no-threshold model; LNT; phenotype; sex; low radiation; dose-response relationship.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLR.2009.028534

International Journal of Low Radiation, 2009 Vol.6 No.2, pp.157 - 163

Published online: 18 Sep 2009 *

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