On the problem of cancer induction by low-level radiation

During the last years there were again discussion about late effects of low-level radiation. Interest has focused on cancerogenic, leukemogenic and genetic effects. The term 'low doses' applies to the doses of X-ray diagnostics as well as to the doses considered permissible by the I.C.R.P. and other expert bodies. The american authors Gofman and Tamplin are the spokesmen of a movement which declares even these small doses as extremely dangerous. Their calculations and inferences are open to criticism. The statements of the mentioned authors confuse the patients and bear implications on the field of social politics by backing up the antinuclear campaign in the western countries. Careful analysis of the figures available to us suggests that the doses presently considered permissible do not carry any cancerogenic or leukemogenic effects. (author)