Radiation levels and radiation induced illness

The way in which the present extensive and ever increasing knowledge of the initiation of cancers and mutations by radiation are being used to estimate quantitatively the risks concerned, is examined. The dose rates received annually from natural radiation background, from medical sources, from bomb test fallout, occupationally from the nuclear power industry and occupationally from other industries are listed and the effects on the body of such radiations considered. The ways in which the primary interactions of ionising radiation can be related specifically to the production of cancer and the reliability of risk estimations are discussed. It is felt that the facts do not justify the real fear of radiation shown by the public. (UK)