There is ongoing debate about the validity of the linear no-threshold model (LNT) in assessing the risk of cancer from radiation. The LNT model suggests that any amount of radiation is always dangerous, while other models, such as the threshold model and the hormesis model, propose that small exposures to radiation may be harmless or even beneficial. The LNT model has been influential in radiation protection policies for several decades, but critics argue that it can lead to unnecessary cleanup efforts and a false sense of security. The LNT model is based on the work of Hermann Muller, who discovered that radiation can cause genetic mutation in living organisms. However, subsequent research has called into question Muller's methods and assumptions. The use of the LNT model in radiation protection has faced criticism, leading to the Million Person Study, which aims to assess the health impacts of low doses of radiation. The study faces challenges due to the numerous sources of damage besides radiation. The validity of the LNT model is important to assess the risks associated with nuclear power plants and find alternative sources of energy.
Tue, 17 Oct 2023 08:17:07 GMT | physicsworld.com