Radiobiological effects of low-level radiation and cancer risks

by R. Mukherjee and J. Mircheva H, I ealth risks from exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation, particularly those relating to cancer, invariably command considerable attention. Recent reports about radon levels in homes and buildings, the extensive fallout from the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear plant accident, and suspected cancer clusters around nuclear facilities have contributed to a heightened sense of concern. Read from the popular press, such reports can create unnecessary fears and the distorted perception that radiation is somehow the sole, or dominant, cancer-causing agent in our environment. This is far from the case. Unfortunately, such perceptions are not easily corrected. Although a virtual encyclopedia of scientific information is available about low-level radiation and health effects, most of it is published in specialized literature not easily accessible to the general public. This scientific background includes basic concepts and studies that may help to place the issue of radiation and cancer risk into clearer perspective. This article briefly reviews some important points.