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Radiation hormesis: an evolutionary expectation and the evidence.
1Department of Zoology, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia.
International Journal of Radiation Applications and Instrumentation. Part A, Applied Radiation and Isotopes
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Organisms adapt to frequent environmental exposures, suggesting radiation hormesis is an evolutionary expectation due to universal background radiation. Further molecular research and analysis of radiation protection guidelines are recommended.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Radiation biology
- Environmental science
Background:
- Background radiation is a universal environmental factor.
- Organisms tend to adapt to frequently encountered environmental conditions.
- Radiation hormesis is hypothesized as an evolutionary adaptation to background radiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the evolutionary expectation of radiation hormesis.
- To review evidence supporting radiation hormesis from experimental studies.
- To identify future research needs and implications for radiation protection.
Main Methods:
- Review of whole-of-life radiation exposure experiments.
- Analysis of shorter-duration, higher dose-rate radiation experiments.
- Consideration of evolutionary principles in radiation biology.
Main Results:
- Experimental data, from both long-term and short-term studies, are consistent with the expectation of radiation hormesis.
- The findings support the hypothesis that organisms adapt to background radiation levels.
- Existing research provides a foundation for further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Radiation hormesis is a plausible evolutionary outcome of constant exposure to background radiation.
- Additional molecular-level research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of radiation hormesis.
- Current radiation protection guidelines may require re-evaluation in light of radiation hormesis.