A review of studies of childhood cancer and natural background radiation

Purpose The projected existence and magnitude of carcinogenic effects ionizing radiation at low doses low-dose rates is perhaps the most important issue in protection today. Studies childhood cancer natural background have potential to throw direct light on this question, into a dose range below few tens mSv. This paper describes studies that been undertaken their context, discusses some problems arise summarizes present position.Conclusions Many such undertaken, but were too small realistic chance detecting expected from doses, based risk projections higher exposures. Case–control or cohort are be preferred methodologically ecological can prone registration/participation bias. Interview-based requisite size would prohibitively expensive undoubtedly also run participation Register-based very large free However, they need estimate exposure study subjects using models rather than individual measurements homes those concerned. At present, no firm conclusions drawn published date. Further data pooled offer way forward.