Models were used to extrapolate and predict cancer at low radiation doses from the cancers observed following exposure to high doses of radiation. It has not been possible to directly demonstrate cancer induction to support these predictions. Over the next 100 years it is expected that human radiation exposure will be at low doses from medical tests, waste cleanup and environmental isolation of materials associated with nuclear weapons and nuclear power production. Advances in science and technology have provided new information on the cellular and molecular biology of radiation-induced change as a function of radiation dose. Because we can now study individual cells, we know that when one cell is dosed with radiation other nearby cells will also respond.
Cells communicate with one another.
This changes how we think about radiation dose and risk and is generating new theories about cancer. Also, the human genome is sequenced making it possible to evaluate our specific genetic susceptibility. Communicating this scientific knowledge among scientists, modelers, regulators, and those who wish to make informed decisions, including members of the public, will be key to setting good policy. An important part of risk-related research is how people perceive risks. This work traditionally emphasized aspects of risk such as controllability, man-made or natural, voluntarily or involuntarily assumed, and equitable distribution throughout the population.