Overcoming the Fear of Radiation: The Key to the Golden Age of Nuclear Technology

Abstract

Canadian nuclear technology is threatened by radiophobia. It stems from the misuse of the linear dose-response model to label radiation as a carcinogen and to predict the number of excess fatal cancers to be expected from exposures to low-level radiation. Ironically, the actual response seems to be a beneficial effect due to the stimulation of the defense mechanisms that deal with both spontaneous and externally-induced cell damage. The scientific community should act to discourage improper use of the linear model and to inform Canadians of the safety of low-level radiation, to safeguard our nuclear heritage.