Re: Hormesis?

[Bernard L Cohen <blc+@pitt.edu>]

On Thu, 8 Feb 2001, Christoph Hofmeyr wrote:

> 
> Radsafers,
> Forgive my bit of agitation/frustration/confusion.  On the one hand we have
> opinions, based on certain observations, and stated forcefully, that
> radiation (quite a bit) is potentially good for you, and on the other hand
> the assertion, based on other observations, that one gamma-photon or alpha
> may cause cancer.  Where on earth does the truth lie?  

	--There is no inconsistency in these two statements. One particle
of radiation *may* initiate a cancer, but it also *does* stimulate
production of repair enzymes, stimulate the immune system, etc which may
protect against a cancer that was caused by something else. These two
effects have to be added to determine the result.

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