Title: Hormesis in humans exposed to low-level ionising radiation

Authors: K. Kant, R.P. Chauhan, G.S. Sharma, S.K. Chakarvarti

Addresses: Department of Physics, K.L. Mehta D.N. College for Women, N.H.3, Faridabad, Haryana 121 001, India. Department of Physics, I.G.N. College, Ladwa, Kurukshetra, Haryana 136 132, India. Department of Physics, B.S.A. College, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281 002, India. Department of Applied Physics, R.E.C. Kurukshetra, Haryana 136 119, India

Abstract: Radiation hormesis is the stimulatory or beneficial effect of low doses of ionising radiation. Data from animal experiments and human experiences suggest common mechanisms of the protective role of hormesis in radiation induced cancer. Through various studies, it is established that whole body exposure to low-level ionising radiation (LLIR) decreases overall cancer incidence (the most important long-term somatic effect of radiation exposure). In this paper, a comprehensive study and analyses of the available historical and scientific data and reports (both laboratory and epidemiological), that relate to LLIR are summarised and presented. This leads to the substantially acceptable conclusion that whole body exposure to LLIR reduces cancer mortality rates when compared with control populations in both experimental animals and humans.

Keywords: radiation; health; hormesis; adaptive response; epidemiological.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLR.2003.003483

International Journal of Low Radiation, 2003 Vol.1 No.1, pp.76 - 87

Published online: 11 Sep 2003 *

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