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The LNT hypothesis was introduced early by the ICRP as the best practical approach to managing risk from radiation exposures to low dose/low dose rates on the basis of the precautionary principle. Although this hypothesis is not supported by any scientific evidence, neither in favour nor against, the ICRP keeps on recommending its use, despite the fact that it has generated an increased opposition and serious social and political consequences.
The linear non-threshold (LNT) model postulates that there is a linear relationship between radiation dose and health risk without a threshold at low doses. This model applies to the levels of dose where deterministic effects, also called tissue reactions, would be expected to occur. It supports the International Commission on Radiological Protection's system of radiological protection.
* The model has fundamental implications for the control of low dose exposures:
* It underpins the development of a common metric for exposure, effective dose.
* It requires that there is a principle of optimisation of protection or something similar.
* It means that there is no level of radioactivity that can be assumed to have no associated health risk. This fact has implications for the regulation of radioactive materials.
On the bases of this LNT model we will discuss the different alternatives arising from epidemiological and radiological research. Furthermore we will also present the consequences and implications of this model.