A critique of the use of the linear no-threshold hypothesis in the estimation of radiation risks to large populations

The estimation of radiation risks to large populations is heavily dependent at present upon the hypothesis that there is a linear relationship between dose and biological effects at all doses. This report outlines why this is so and discusses the likely validity of the hypothesis. It is concluded that the hypothesis may be reasonable for high LET radiation and for genetic risks, especially if low dose rate data are used for the latter. For radiation carcinogenesis, particularly with low LET radiation, the linear hypothesis may substantially overestimate the risk to the majority of the public. (auth.)