A/Prof Tony Hooker - Radiation – basic concepts, current and future challenges to risk based regulation

Communication of radiation risk at low doses is an ongoing challenge. The challenge arises in part because regulatory controls are enforced on low dose radiation exposure even when the radiation dose is below annual background levels or the member of public limit of 1 mSv. There is clear scientific uncertainty about the risks at such low doses. For example, there is little evidence of a biological response to radiation at doses below 50 mSv, yet regulators are working well below this limit, often regulating miniscule radiation doses (eg Sv). Regulators are required to continue to use the agreed international system of radiation protection to protect workers, the public and patients, while also trying to convince people that often the radiation risks are small. The current situation of regulating low dose radiation creates a public perception of radiation risk which does not align with the actual risk. The concept that “If it was safe you wouldn’t need to regulate!” is perpetuated throughout mainstream media as well as various interest groups. Should we assume that any amount of radiation is dangerous (LNT model)? But if so, should we accept some level of “acceptable” risk as we do for driving a car, or smoking a cigarette? Or, if evidence based research can’t find a biological effect, is it time to accept that there isn’t one?