The Problem of Assessing the Effects of Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Abstract

Introduction.
The article presents a review of the literature devoted to the impact of “low doses” of ionizing radiation on public health and the environment based on an analysis of scientific publications. To date, a large number of studies have been conducted in this field.

Objective.
To analyze scientific literature data on the effects of “low doses” of ionizing radiation on living organisms and the environment.

Materials and Methods.
To achieve the stated objective, a literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Elsevier, ResearchGate, CyberLeninka, and the Republican Scientific and Technical Library. Prior to the search, the following keywords were defined: experimental study, ionizing radiation, low doses. Exclusion criteria for publications included conference abstracts, newspaper publications, and personal communications. The search identified 1,689 literature sources, of which 63 were selected as analytical material for the article.

Results.
Currently, there are three opposing viewpoints regarding the assessment of the effects of ionizing radiation at “low doses.” Some researchers indicate an increased hazard of “low doses,” others reject any specific features of their effects, while a third group supports the existence of radiation hormesis, that is, a positive effect of ionizing radiation.

Conclusions.
Despite the large volume of scientific literature, this issue remains open and requires further research.