Molecular mechanisms of radiation carcinogenesis and the linear, non-threshold dose response model of radiation risk estimation

Recent research in molecular radiation carcinogenesis is reviewed with the specific aim of exploring the implications this research may have on the do se response relationship of radiation-induced cancer at low doses and low d ose rates. It is concluded that the linear non-threshold dose response hypo thesis may be used in radiation protection planning as a simple, convenient method to optimize procedures and regulations, but should not be mistaken as a stringent scientific conclusion directly derived from the present stat e of knowledge of the processes involved in radiation carcinogenesis.