Present-day Assessments of Radiation Hazards

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Abstract
Present-day knowledge of the biological effects of ionizing radiation are reviewed together with available information on current levels of exposure. It is still not known whether low doses of radiation do in fact produce any harmful effects. On the other hand, the maximum risk of such effects occurring can be assessed, and it is evident that the number of persons affected will not be sufficiently high to be statistically detectable in any exposed group unless the dose substantially exceeds the limits at present recommended as permissible. The review of present radiation levels includes medical and occupational exposure as well as environmental contamination. The mechanism of fall-out of fission products and the subsequent transport of these products through the food-chains to the human body is now more clearly understood.