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: Source Type: research