Effects of Low Level Radiation Exposure

For many years, the US has typically considered radiation, even at low levels, to present some harm. This model is referred to as the "linear, no-threshold (LNT)" hypothesis. Over the years, successive scientific studies have been done resulting in publication of the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) reports. Recent versions have been published by the National Academies Press, whose documents may be viewed on-line for free; in some cases, the documents may be downloaded for free.

Recent studies have led to increasing debate about whether the LNT model is appropriate. Sites and searches providing information on this contentious issue are:

• Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) VI Report: "The Health Effects of Exposure to Indoor Radon" Public Summary - Report (US Environmental Protection Administration; National Academy of Science)
• Health Effects of Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation: BEIR VII, Phase 1 (1998) and Phase 2 (2005) (National Academy of Science)
• Radiation in Everyday Life (IAEA website search results)
• Radiation and Health Physics Information (Univ of Michigan)
• Dose Standards and Methods for Protection Against Radiation and Contamination (USNRC)
• Biological Effects of Radiation (US NRC)
• Atomic Split: Data Recharge Debate on Low-Level Radiation Risk, Joby Warrick, Washington Post,  April 14, 1997
• Effects of Low Level Radiation Exposure (Google search results)

Copyright � 1996-2006.  The Virtual Nuclear Tourist. All rights reserved. Revised: March 20, 2006.