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19-24 October 2008
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07 September 2008

Answer to Question #10 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radiation Effects — Low-Dose Effects

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q
Low-level gamma radiation . . . how detrimental to health is it?  What about exposures of less than 10 rem?
A

For a start I recommend that you read one of our Society's Position Papers, "Radiation Risk in Perspective." You can view it on our Web site. Go to the home page and click on the "HPS Publications" button and then click on the "HPS Papers" button. If you have further questions please get back to us.

Gen Roessler, Editor HPS Web Site

The facts in the matter of radiation effects at low doses are very simple: no one knows whether there is any risk or not. All we can say now is that no one has detected any statistically significant effect at doses below about 100 mSv (10 rem). The Health Physics Society has a position paper on this subject.

S. Julian Gibbs, DDS, PhD

The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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