Topics Under Debate - Is the Linear-No-Threshold Hypothesis Appropriate for Use in Radiation Protection?

Abstract

There are few things more important to the practice of radiation protection than the basic assumptions regarding the actions of ionising radiation at low levels. In addition, there are few things that have caused more consternation among investigators due to the fact that data relating to the biological effects of low levels of ionising radiation have such large uncertainties. Given that the data have large uncertainties, it is useful to consider whether the simple hypothesis of a linear-no-threshold relationship is appropriate for use in radiation protection. The two participants in this debate have extensive experience in research on the biological actions of ionising radiation, and the implications of those actions for radiation protection.