Radiation Hormesis And What You Should Know About It
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Radiation hormesis is among the widely debated topics in nuclear medicine and science. It is a paradigm developed to contradict the proposition of the linear no threshold model adapted by agencies for citizen protection against radioactivity exposure. Find out why this new paradigm creates such uproars from the public.
It was in 1895 that people began to see the benefits of radioactive particles, when Wilhelm Roentgen found out about the use of X-rays. His discovery was shortly followed by Edison's fluoroscopy unit and the use of radioactive particles for treating cancers and non malignant conditions.
But the positive perspective towards the use of radioactive particles was changed in 1945. This was when the 2 atomic bombings occurred in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. Apart from killing thousands, it left survivors with an increasing leukemia incidence. Studies have also found out that radioactive materials can cause damages to the DNA which leads to mutation.
Having the dangers of too much radioactive exposure in mind, John Gofman proposed the linear no threshold paradigm. It states that several exposures to low levels of radioactivity can result to the abnormalities caused by a single large dose exposure. This is the model adapted by factories with radioactive materials to protect their workers.
However, another group of scientists say that hormetic doses of radioactive particles can actually be beneficial. They help stimulate the repair mechanisms of the body which are not activated without ionizing radioactivity. Because of these mechanisms, the effects of low dose radioactivity are counteracted and diseases are prevented.
Radioactive materials, when taken in low doses, actually protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals. They help repair DNA damage by stimulating the production of repairing enzymes. They also facilitate apoptosis and cell division delay for cells with damaged DNA's.
Although several evidences have been provided to support the above claims, radiation hormesis is still continuously debated nowadays. Workplaces still follow the LNT paradigm in an effort to prevent consequences to their workers. After all, the proponents for hormesis still believe that high dose exposure is indeed harmful.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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