Occupational exposure to radiation as a cancer hazard

Conference · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Cancer, Suppl.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7215321

Archer, V E

There are much experimental data which indicate that ionizing radiation is a very potent carcinogenic agent. Most types of carcinoma can be produced by radiation. Carcinoma is apparently induced through a single or a series of mutations in somatic cells. Radiologists have excess leukemia and other malignancy from external x-ray; uranium and other miners have excess lung cancer from internal alpha radiation; luminous dial painters have excess osteogenic sarcomas; and uranium mill workers appear to have excess lymphomas. A large number of persons are now exposed occupationally to radiation from nuclear reactors, and from various uses of radioisotopes. For the induction of most types of cancers from radiation it appears that the risk is between 0.5 and 2 cancers per rem per million person years. Epidemiological techniques are essential in determining risks of this low magnitude. Other agents may inhibit or enhance the carcinogenicity of radiation.

• OSTI ID: 7215321
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Cancer, Suppl.; (United States) Journal Volume: 39:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
CARCINOGENESIS
CARCINOMAS
DISEASES
EPIDEMIOLOGY
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
NEOPLASMS
PATHOGENESIS
PERSONNEL
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADIATIONS
RADIOINDUCTION