Reflections on low-dose radiation, the misconceptions, reality and moving forward

Abstract

Low dose radiation has been widely accepted by the radiation protection community as presenting a very low risk to human health, if any. Over-conservatism in optimisation principles and regulations have resulted in a disproportionate fear of radiation amongst the general public and government authorities alike, overlooking the great benefits nuclear science and techniques have brought to society as a whole. As such, the World Nuclear Association advocates for a recontextualisation of the radiation hazards with regards to low dose radiation, and a greater awareness as to the absence of any discernible effects associated with it.

Assessing elementary understanding of electromagnetic radiation and its implementation in wireless technologies among pre-service teachers

“…Scientists are still exploring radiation's properties, and potential applications, as well as its hazards and risks of exposure (Cho et al, 2019). Several misconceptions about radiation have been researched recently, and this has helped to create greater public awareness about radiation's benefits and risks, leading to more informed decisionmaking regarding radiation-related issues (Lips et al, 2021;Neumann, 2014aNeumann, , 2014b.…”

Occupational external exposure to ionizing radiation in research-associated activities in Iran (2015-2020)

“…Research activities can cover a wide range of practices; accordingly, the employees may be exposed to different levels of occupational exposure. Although radiation exposure in this type of activity have been reported to be mainly at low levels, previous and present investigations have demonstrated that the risks of low-dose radiation exposure, either at the occupational level or in chronic public exposure, are always of particular importance [1,2].…”