What is it about?
The authors analyzed data from 2 large-scale studies of dogs exposed to gamma radiation and inhaled plutonium (alpha radiation) for their entire lives. For low dose-rates, lifespans of the exposed dogs were longer than the lifespans of the control dogs. Normalized lifespans increased more for short-lived dogs than for average dogs. The optimum dose-rate is about 50 mGy/y. The threshold for harm was 700 mGy/y for 50% mortality dogs and 1100 mGy/y for short-lived dogs. For inhaled alpha-emitting particulates, longevity was remarkably increased for short-lived dogs below the threshold for harm. Short-lived dogs are more radio-sensitive than average dogs and they benefit more from low radiation. If dogs model humans, this evidence would support a change to radiation protection policy. Maintaining exposures “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) is questionable.
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Why is it important?
If dogs model humans, this evidence would support a change to the protection policy for ionizing radiation. Maintaining exposures “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) is questionable.
Perspectives
We have evidence that low-level ionizing radiation is beneficial; it extends longevity. Radiation-sensitive individuals benefit more than the median individuals. The scare about low-level ionizing radiation is false.
Dr. Jerry M Cuttler
Cuttler & Associates
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Evidence That Lifelong Low Dose Rates of Ionizing Radiation Increase Lifespan in Long- and Short-Lived Dogs, Dose-Response, March 2017, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/1559325817692903.
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