The Research on the Health Effects of Low-Level Radiation in Japan

Abstract

Professor Don Luckey identified the phenomenon of radiation hormesis, and he described it in a paper in the Health Physics Society Journal, in 1982. (He also authored two books on this subject.) CRIEPI initiated a research program on radiation hormesis following this publication to confirm, "Is it true or not?"

After nearly ten years of research activities on data surveys and animal tests with many universities, we are realizing the scientific truth of bio-positive effects caused by low-level radiation exposures.

The interesting bio-positive effects we found could be categorized in the following five groups:

• Rejuvenation of cells, such as increase of SOD and cell membrane permeability,


• Moderation of psychological stress through response of key enzymes,


• Suppression and therapy of adult diseases, e.g., diabetes and hypertension,


• Suppression of cancer through enhancement of immune systems, such as lymphocytes,


• Suppression of cancer and radio-adaptive response by activation of DNA repair and apoptosis.