Alternative Interpretations of Statistics on Health Effects of Low-Level Radiation

Authors
Hamilton, L. D.
Citation
D. Hamilton, L., Alternative Interpretations of Statistics on Health Effects of Low-Level Radiation, American statistician , 37(4B), 1983, pp. 442-451
Journal title
American statistician → ACNP
ISSN journal
00031305
Volume
37
Issue
4B
Year of publication
1983
Pages
442 - 451
Database
ACNP
SICI code
Abstract
Four examples of the interpretation of statistics of data on low-level radiation are reviewed: (a) genetic effects of the atomic bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, (b) cancer at Rocky Flats, (c) childhood leukemia and fallout in Utah, and (d) cancer among workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.Aggregation of data, adjustment for age, and other problems related to the determination of health effects of low-level radiation are discussed.Troublesome issues related to post hoc analysis are considered.