It Is Time to Move Beyond the Linear No-Threshold Theory for Low-Dose Radiation Protection

Is the Linear No-Threshold Dose-Response Paradigm Still Necessary for the Assessment of Health Effects of Low Dose Radiation?

Inevitable human exposure to ionizing radiation from man-made sources has been increased with the proceeding of human civilization and consequently public concerns focus on the possible risk to human health. Moreover, Fukushima nuclear power plant accidents after the 2011 East-Japan earthquake and tsunami has brought the great fear and anxiety for the exposure of radiation at low levels, even m...

Topics under Debate IS THE LINEAR-NO-THRESHOLD HYPOTHESIS APPROPRIATE FOR USE IN RADIATION PROTECTION?

Linear No-Threshold Model VS. Radiation Hormesis.

The atomic bomb survivor cancer mortality data have been used in the past to justify the use of the linear no-threshold (LNT) model for estimating the carcinogenic effects of low dose radiation. An analysis of the recently updated atomic bomb survivor cancer mortality dose-response data shows that the data no longer support the LNT model but are consistent with a radiation hormesis model when a...

Destroying the Linear No-threshold Basis for Radiation Regulation

This article suggests five classes of effort that scientists can undertake to destroy the linear no-threshold hypothesis as the basis of radiation regulation in the United States. These are (1) pressure on regulators such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, (2) presidential messages, (3) Congressional pressure, (4) educate physicians about low-dose radiation, and (5) work with journalists and...

Is it time to move beyond the "O" in early COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death globally [1] and is the focus of primary and tertiary prevention programmes [2, 3]. Primary prevention has focused on reduction of risk factors, such as tobacco smoke exposure [4] whereas tertiary prevention has focused on reducing exacerbations or improving symptoms among patients with established disease [5]. Mis...