Radiation hormesis is the theory that low doses of ionizing radiation are beneficial. The theory is that genes that repair damage due to radiation are activated and reduce damage from other causes, which would otherwise be imperfectly repaired. There is some evidence that radiation levels of 100 mSev/year may actually be positive or atleast neutral to health.

A number of studies support this claim. However it is strongly disputed, especially by supporters of the linear no threshold model, which it contradicts.

However:

• Studies of airline crews are exposed to higher levels of cosmic radiation due to altitude but show no increase in cancer in spite of higher exposure
• Cancer is found to be low in high-lying areas which are less protected by the atmosphere against cosmic radiation
• Genes that protect against radiation damage have been found to be activated in people exposed to radiation in these areas
• Ramsar has naturally very high radiation (260 mSv) due to its geology but is found to have no increased cancer riskhttp://www.ecolo.org/documents/documents_in_english/ramsar-natural-radioactivity/ramsar.html
• no chromosomal damage was detectable in animals with high radiation counts living around Chernobyl
• lower than expected increases in cancers have been found from Chernobylhttp://www.tcsdaily.com/article.aspx?id=091905D

See also

• Hormesis

External links

• Abstract of a study finding no link either way.
• History of the idea by a supporter of the concept.

References