Aspects of the BEIR VII Report: a critical evaluation. (25th March 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hayes, Daniel P.
• Is Part Of: International journal of low radiation. Volume 4:Number 4(2007)
• Page Start: 263
• Page End: 281
• Publication Date: 2008-03-25
• Subjects: Biological Effects of Ionising Radiation reports -- BEIR VII Report -- models -- controversies -- radiation carcinogenesis -- low-dose radiation -- epidemiological data -- radio-induced cancer -- cancer risks -- high background radiation areas -- changing paradigms -- radiation protection -- radiation effects -- radiation workers -- hormesis -- low radiation -- epidemiology; Radiobiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; Radiation tolerance -- Periodicals; 571.4505
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-6545

Abstract

The Biological Effects of Ionising Radiation (BEIR) Reports have historically played a major role in determining how regulatory bodies characterise radiation risks at the doses and dose rates experienced by radiation workers and members of the general public. The latest report, BEIR VII, whose stated purpose was to provide risk estimate for exposure to low-dose, low Linear-Energy-Transfer (LET) radiation in human subjects, will most likely be a major factor in setting future regulatory standards. One of the main purposes of the BEIR VII Report was to review epidemiological and experimental studies that have accumulated since its most recent predecessor publication. The study being reported here consists of critical evaluations of some of the epidemiological and experimental laboratory data underpinning BEIR VII. These evaluations have raised serious questions about the utility of various aspects of the BEIR VII Report.