Lesson 2 - Risk Estimates and Dose Response Curves

What is radiation hormesis

theory that
suggests that low
levels of radiation
are good for you

Epidemiology

science that deals with the incidence, distribution and control of
disease in a population

Relative Risk

Predicts that the number of
excess cancers will increase
as the natural incidence of
cancer increases with
advancing age in a population

how do you calculate relative risk

observed cases / Expected cases

what if the relative risk is 1

there is no risk

what if the relative risk is 1.5

there is a 50% increase in risk

Absolute Risk

Predicts that a specific
number of excess cancers will
occur as a result of exposure.

what does the absolute risk assume (relationship)

linear non threshold

what is the relationship of cancer

linear non threshold

Chromosome aberrations
follow a

non-threshold

Leukemia follows a

linear,
non-threshold response

Effects on the skin follow a

nonlinear, threshold
response

Effective Dose Limiting System

assess radiation exposure
and associated risk of biological damage to
radiation workers and the general public