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Re: Radiation Hormesis
Karl,
As I promised here is some information I have been
collecting. Since you asked, I will give you my
opinion. I think there is a hormetic effect or
response. However, there are good examples and some
that are really not convincing. A lot of
epidemiological studies have or may have confounding
factors. Some cancer patients have been shown to have
increases of a specific immune protein following low
dose irradiation, but it is not clear if this lead to
the cancer reduction. The Radiation, Science and
Health Web has a collection of studies
http://cnts.wpi.edu/RSH/Docs/index.html I have
questioned some of the conclusion, but found that was
a losing battle.
Of course, the real issue is should hormesis be taken
into account for regulatory limits. I doubt that will
happen. Some of the reasoning can be found in the
following citations. Even Dr. Calbrese, one of the
most frequently cited researchers, states "there is
sufficient exaamples indicating that come
strains/indiviuduals may lack the capacity to produce
low-dose stiumlation response." I have copy of the
following articlea and can send them to you or others.
"Hormesis and High-Risk Groups," Edward Calabrese and
Linda Baldwin in Regulatory Toxicology and
Pharmacology, 35, 414-428 (2002)
"Hormesis: Implications for Public Policy Regarding
Toxins," Leter B. Lave, Annual Review of Public
Health, 22:63-67 (2001)
"Deconstructing Radiation Hormssis," Kenneth Mossman,
Health Physics, 80, 263-269 (2001)
--- Karl Ellison <ellison1@localnet.com> wrote:
> I'm very curious of list member's opinions on
> radiation Hormesis. Most RT(R)
> professionals I talk to either roll their eyes and
> dismiss it as 'just a
> theory', or it's a new vocabulary word for them.
>
> Dr. Petr Beckmann of "Access To Energy"
> (http://www.accesstoenergy.com/; a
> pro-science / pro-technology newsletter he authored
> until his death), gave
> compelling evidence for the beneficial effects of
> low-level radiation on
> longevity and health. There are numerous other
> website references to studies
> that also espouse positive bio-benefits.
>
> Does anyone have an opinion of this theory? What
> role, if any does the theory
> play in exposure mitigation - in policy making or
> otherwise - none whatsoever
> (I assume)? What's the current thinking given the
> scientific evidence gathered
> to-date?
>
=====
+++++++++++++++++++
"I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."
Thomas Jefferson
-- John
John Jacobus, MS
Certified Health Physicist
e-mail: crispy_bird@yahoo.com
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