Abstract
Radiological protection is based upon the assumption that any additional exposure to ionising
radiation leads to an increased risk of stochastic adverse health effects. The validity of this
assumption is supported by the epidemiological association between childhood cancer and X-ray
exposure of the fetus in utero for diagnostic purposes. Evidence for a direct causal interpretation of
this association is compelling: the association has high statistical significance, it is consistent across
many case-control studies carried out worldwide, and an appropriate dose-response relationship is
indicated. Evidence against bias and confounding as alternative explanations is strong. Nonetheless,
objections to causality have been raised. Four grounds for controversy are examined in detail, with
the conclusion that they do not provide persuasive evidence against a cause and effect relationship.
We conclude that acute doses of the order of 10 mGy received by the fetus in utero cause a
subsequent increase in the risk of cancer in childhood, and that, in these circumstances, the excess
absolute risk coefficient for childhood cancer incidence is 6-12% per Gy
radiation leads to an increased risk of stochastic adverse health effects. The validity of this
assumption is supported by the epidemiological association between childhood cancer and X-ray
exposure of the fetus in utero for diagnostic purposes. Evidence for a direct causal interpretation of
this association is compelling: the association has high statistical significance, it is consistent across
many case-control studies carried out worldwide, and an appropriate dose-response relationship is
indicated. Evidence against bias and confounding as alternative explanations is strong. Nonetheless,
objections to causality have been raised. Four grounds for controversy are examined in detail, with
the conclusion that they do not provide persuasive evidence against a cause and effect relationship.
We conclude that acute doses of the order of 10 mGy received by the fetus in utero cause a
subsequent increase in the risk of cancer in childhood, and that, in these circumstances, the excess
absolute risk coefficient for childhood cancer incidence is 6-12% per Gy
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Low doses of ionizing radiation |
| Subtitle of host publication | Biological effects and regulatory control. |
| Publisher | International Atomic Energy Agency |
| Pages | 391-394 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Volume | IAEA-TECDOC--976 |
| Publication status | Published - 1997 |
| Event | Low Doses of Ionizing Radiation: Biological Effects and Regulatory Control: IAEA-TECDOC-976 - Seville, Spain Duration: 17 Nov 1997 → 21 Nov 1997 Conference number: IAEA-CN-67 |
Conference
| Conference | Low Doses of Ionizing Radiation: Biological Effects and Regulatory Control |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Spain |
| City | Seville |
| Period | 17/11/97 → 21/11/97 |
Keywords
- IAEA-TECDOC--976
