Abstract

Radiation hormesis is a hypothetical premise that low doses of ionizing radiation (below 200 mSv) may be beneficial to living organisms. According to this hypothesis low doses of radiation stimulate the processes of DNA repair in cells. As a result they decrease the risk of aberration and the development of tumors. The theory of hormesis stands in contrast to the commonly accepted LNT-hypothesis, which suggests that low doses of radiation exert only small but also negative effects on organisms. However, the effects of high doses of radiation on the human organism are well elucidated, the effect of low doses is still unclear. Low doses of radiation are received, among others, by the health-care personnel who are employed in areas that are affected by ionizing radiation. In Poland they receive average effective individual doses to the whole body exposure of around 0.1-0.25 mSv per quarter of the year. Low doses of ionizing radiation, despite common views, may have a positive effect on health. However, one should approach this issue with some caution because of the current lack of sufficient and direct evidence that the theory of radiation hormesis is correct. Med Pr 2012;63(3):371-376

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