The quantitative assessment of risks resulting from exposure to radiation: problems of extrapolation and the choice of indicators

Some of the methodological problems involved in the quantitative estimate of the health detriment of ionizing radiations and in risk comparison are described. The limitations of the process of quantifying the risks resulting from exposure to low doses of radiation are both specific and non-specific. The results obtained, which are then used at international level, provide particularly reliable reference data on which there has been a surprisingly high level of agreement. The current revision of the dosimetry of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the publication of the results of 30 years of follow-up carried out on the cohort against the background of the Chernobyl accident must not be misunderstood. These new aspects have revived the discussion on the risks of exposure to low doses and their acceptability to the public. However, it should be noted that recent scientific data have resulted in minor changes to previous estimates. The uncertainty is far lower than for other toxic and carcinogenic risks in the environment. It is probable that this increase in scientific knowledge is responsible for the well-known discussion and has caused an example to be made of this particular risk. In terms of science and institutions, this area of prevention is in some ways a model for the treatment of industrial hazards by society in the future