Valid versus invalid radiation cancer risk assessment methods illustrated using Swiss population data
After the nuclear accident in Fukushima, the public interest in radiation related cancer-risk
assessment increased. However, interpretations of results from epidemiological studies and
comprehension of cancer risk assessment methods can be unclear and involve questions about
correctness and validity of the approaches. To shed some light on this potential lack of clarity,
valid versus invalid radiation cancer risk assessments methods are illustrated here using Swiss
population data. This involves a comparison of the cancer risk assessment method based on collective
dose and the cumulative risk assessment method, where the latter is recommended with regard to
uncertainties and risk of misinterpretation. Further, risk assessment in different dose ranges is
discussed and it is concluded that below 100 mSv it cannot be appropriately stated that an adequate
strength of evidence of a causal relationship between cancer and radiation is provided, because of
the large uncertainties in thi...
Source: Journal of Radiological Protection - Category: Physics Authors: Luana Hafner and Linda Walsh Source Type: research
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