to support the linear theory.*
Proponents of the linear theory, however,
pointed out that evidence for threshold response was not sufficient to
definitely prove there was such a thing.
Much of the debate over the linear versus threshold theories results
from the establishment of Maximum Permissible Concentration
mentioned in the Internal Exposure section.
established on a_basicassumption:
for radiation;
that is,
(MPC)
as
The MPC for human beings is
Cr;
that there exists a threshold effect
aa ec I
there is an amount of radiation above normal
background radiation which human beings can absorb and which will not cause
harmful effects
(or effects so small as to be able to he tolerated).
Dr. H,L. Friedell, of the School of Medicine at Western Reserve
University, testified before the U.S. Congressional Subcommittee thusly:
AEI
wet.
EPROCUCUIOREe
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"At the very low levels where the levels begin to aporoach the natural
levels we are facing, I think there is grave uncertainty,
This, of
*An interesting, entertaining tour de force diatribe against the linear
theorv by one Alden Potter appears on pages 1987 to 1996.
Mr, Potter
attacks many commonly held scientific concepts in biology, genetics,
statistics and mathematics to allege that there is indeed no linear experience
in nature,
A simplication of his reasoning is that we see threshold
relationships all throughout nature; nature is ordered hy certain basic,
unchangeable laws and thus radiation effect must, too, be of a threshold
nature.
He states as an example:
"But if sensory equipment has its thresholds, living conditions
are also narrowly restricted to those prevailing in the so-called
biosrhere,
Some heat is essential; much more or less, is lethal,
It's a case of not crossing a threshold and getting too much of
the qood things of life; including life itself. , ..Then there
are the trace elements, essential to plant growth, an excess of
which is toxic,
In short, there is no such thing as a '‘linear'
relation between life and the elemental forms of matter and energy.
A threshold is the very essence of life."
What this reasoning does not take into account is:
1.
Human tolerance
to the effects of radiation may he possibly so low but for all practical
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