Radiation Hormesis and the Linear-No-Threshold Assumption

ISBN-13: 9783642425660 / Angielski / Miękka / 2014 / 217 str.

Charles L. Sanders

Opis

Current radiation protection standards are based upon the application of the linear no-threshold (LNT) assumption, which considers that even very low doses of ionizing radiation can cause cancer. The radiation hormesis hypothesis, by contrast, proposes that low-dose ionizing radiation is beneficial. In this book, the author examines all facets of radiation hormesis in detail, including the history of the concept and mechanisms, and presents comprehensive, up-to-date reviews for major cancer types. It is explained how low-dose radiation can in fact decrease all-cause and all-cancer mortality and help to control metastatic cancer. Attention is also drawn to biases in epidemiological research when using the LNT assumption. The author shows how proponents of the LNT assumption consistently reject, manipulate, and deliberately ignore an overwhelming abundance of published data and falsely claim that no reliable data are available at doses of less than 100 mSv.

Spis treści

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms.- Natural Environmental Radiation.- Accidents, Tests, and Incidents.- Medical Exposures and Workers.- Nuclear Workers.- Biased Epidemiological Studies.- Evidence Negating the Healthy Worker Eff ect.- Lung Cancer.- Breast Cancer.- Leukemia.- Liver, CNS, and Thyroid Cancers.- Lifespan, Birth Defects, and Experimental Cancer.- Animal and Human Cancer Therapeutic Studies.- Conclusions, Summary, and Importance.

Blurb

Current radiation protection standards are based upon the application of the linear no-threshold (LNT) assumption, which considers that even very low doses of ionizing radiation can cause cancer. The radiation hormesis hypothesis, by contrast, proposes that low-dose ionizing radiation is not only safe but is healthy and beneficial.

In this book, the author examines all facets of radiation hormesis in detail, including the history of the concept and mechanisms, and presents comprehensive, up-to-date reviews for major cancer types. It is explained how low-dose radiation can in fact decrease all-cause and all-cancer mortality and help to control metastatic cancer. Attention is also drawn to biases in epidemiological research when using the LNT assumption. The author shows how proponents of the LNT assumption consistently reject, manipulate, and deliberately ignore an overwhelming abundance of published data and falsely claim that no reliable data are available at doses of less than 100 mSv. The consequence of the LNT assumption is a radiophobia that is very costly in terms of lives and money.