Generally, there is a feeling that dose to a person due to neutrons is riskier for the same dose-equivalent in mSv when compared to other radiations such as gamma. Why is it so?
The idea that neutrons are more risky than other radiations is because some studies have reported that the repair of neutron damage to DNA, typically double strand breaks, is not repaired as often as gamma damage to DNA. An example of these studies is Cell Survival and DNA Double-strand Break Repair Following X-ray or Neutron Irradiation of V79 Cells. Other studies show that the difference may not be significant, see Constancy of the Relative Biological Effectiveness of 42 MeV (p–>Be+) Neutrons Among Cell Lines with Different DNA Repair Proficiencies.
For more information on neutron versus gamma radiation see Q8933, Q8943, and Q11416 of the HPS Ask the Experts.
John Hageman, CHP
Answer posted on 3 July 2019. The information posted on this web page is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may affect the applicability of concepts, 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. To the best of our knowledge, answers are correct at the time they are posted. Be advised that over time, requirements could change, new data could be made available, and Internet links could change, affecting the correctness of the answers. Answers are the professional opinions of the expert responding to each question; they do not necessarily represent the position of the Health Physics Society.