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19 July 2008

Answer to Question #745 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radiation Effects — Dose Response

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

Do low levels of exposure (3mSv per annum) pose less of a risk than say 6mSv? Is the risk proportional? And can this be proven?

3 mSv per annum is the approximate average dose from all sources of radiation exposure to the U.S. population. Health risks (for example, cancer) cannot be quantified at such low doses. Based on numerous epidemiological studies conducted to date, health risks at doses below about 100 mSv are either zero or so low that they cannot be measured. Accordingly it is not possible to confirm or to prove that the risk at 6 mSv is twice the risk at 3 mSv. You are encouraged to review the Health Physics Society's position statement "Radiation Risk in Perspective." This document addresses your important question in more detail. Kenneth L. Mossman Past President Health Physics Society

Answer posted on 28 February 2001. 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.