A review of low-level ionizing radiation and risk models of leukemia

The relationship between exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation (<100 mSv) and the risk of leukemia has perplexed researchers for decades. The recent accident in Fukushima, Japan has led to a renewed interest in better understanding this relationship, which has significant implications for government-outlined safety procedures for individuals working in occupations, such as the nuclear industry and radiology, as well as for emergency response polices on postnuclear events. Currently, the scientific community remains divided: one school of thought suggests a linear no-threshold model, while others favor a threshold-type response, and a few scientists support a hormesis response model; there is evidence in the literature to support each model. The main purpose of this article is to review and summarize the current state of knowledge and extant literature on the risk models, as well as the epidemiology of leukemia and its relationship to exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation.