A Model That Leads to the Weibull Distribution Function to Characterize Early Radiation Response Probabilities

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Abstract
The probability of inducing a specific early radiation syndrome was characterized by a model in which injury to a critical cluster of cells, from a large number of critical cell clusters at risk, was responsible for causing the syndrome. This model lead to a 2 parameter Weibull cumulative distribution function representing the probability that a given radiation syndrome will be induced by an absorbed radiation dose to the critical cells at risk less than or equal to a given value. An analysis of dose-response after exposure of beagles to internal radiation sources implied the probability of inducing a given radiation syndrome depends on the absorbed radiation dose, dose rate and radiation quality. To determine late occurring effects of radiation (e.g., tumor induction), it is important to minimize the risk of acute deaths. Designs to accurately determine radiation late effects are presented and may be used for reactor hazard analysis.