Estimation of whole-body doses by means of chromosome aberrations observed in survivors of the Hiroshima A-bomb

In light of recent reports whole-body doses to survivors of the Hiroshima bomb have been estimated from their symmetrical and asymmetrical chromosome aberrations. Comparisons with physically based dose estimates indicate general agreement to within a factor of less than 2. Uncertainties in the chromosome dosimetry are evaluated and discussed. Our results tend to justify use of the Hiroshima data on leukemia incidence versus acute doses as a basis for setting limits for low-intensity radiation exposures