How the Science of Radiation Biology Can Help Reduce the Crippling Fear of Low-level Radiation

Abstract

The fear of radiation has been present almost since the discovery of radiation, but has intensified since the “dawn of the atomic age” over 75 y ago. This fear has often served as an impediment to the safe and beneficial uses of radiation and radioactive material. The underlying causes of such fear are varied, can be complex, and are often not associated with any scientific knowledge or understanding. The authors believe that a clear understanding of the current scientific knowledge and understanding of the effects of radiation exposure may be useful in helping to allay some of the fear of radiation. This manuscript attempts to (1) address several scientific questions that we believe have contributed to the fear of radiation, (2) review the data derived from research that can be used to address these questions, and (3) summarize how the results of such scientific research can be used to help address the fear of low-dose and low-dose-rate radiation. Several examples of how fear of radiation has affected public perception of radiological events are discussed, as well as a brief history of the etiology of radiation fear. Actions needed to reduce the public fear of radiation and help fulfill the full societal benefits of radiation and radioactive materials are suggested.

R Radiological Risk Assessment Of 222 Radon Concentration And Annual Effective Dose Calculation In Groundwater From Zakho, Iraq

“…(2) AEDing infants= CRn × 0.6× 365× 7× 10 -8 × 10 6 (3) AEDing children= CRn × 0.8× 365× 7× 10 -8 × 10 6 (4) AEDing adult= CRn × 1.3× 365× 1× 10 -8 × 10 6 (5) AEDtotal = AEDing + AEDinh (6) In this context, AEDingestion and AEDinhalation represent annual effective doses resulting from the ingestion and inhalation of radon in water (μSv/year). Key parameters include CRn for radon concentration in water (Bq/L), WCR for water consumption rate (730 L/year), DCFing for the dose conversion factor for ingestion (3.5 μSv Bq −1 ), Raw for the radon release ratio to air (10 -4 ), EF for the equilibrium factor between radon and progeny (0.4), OT for the average indoor occupancy time (7000 h/year), and DCFinh for the dose conversion factor for inhalation (9 μSv/h Bq/L).…”

“…The primary source of human radiation exposure from natural sources is attributed to radon gas [4]. Radon, a highly radioactive noble gas devoid of odor, color, or taste, raises radiological concerns due to the immediate danger it presents through inhalation or ingestion, given its alpha-emitting radioactive daughters [5,6]. This gas is released during the decay of radium, a byproduct of the natural breakdown of uranium.…”

Overt Scientific Bias and Clandestine Acts by Trusted Scientists: The Flawed Application of the Linear No-threshold Model

“…Reliance on the LNT policy affects other facets of society as well. It foments fear by suggesting there is no safe level of radiation exposure, causing some people to refuse life-saving medical treatments that use radiation for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes (Brooks et al 2023). It results in unnecessary and tremendous costs to build or decommission nuclear power plants; a safe, reliable, and low-carbon emission form of energy 52 .…”

“…These statements stand true today, and this “worship of the straight line” has ultimately caused unwarranted crippling fear of low-level radiation exposures (Brooks et al 2023).…”