INTRODUCTION: The effect of natural background radiation on Cancer is still challenging. The investigation of association between external gamma rays and Cancer was the main goal of study. MATERIALS #ENTITYSTARTX00026; METHODS: External Gamma rays were measured using a radiation survey meter in 184 urban and rural health centers to estimate the exposure to the population in residential areas of Babol. The dose distribution map was compared to the 5 years radiation induced cancer incidence data from cancer registry center in north part of Iran. RESULTS: Results showed that although the external gamma ray level in Babol is nearly equal to the average natural background radiation in the world, there is a relatively weak inverse association between local external gamma ray and incidence of Cancer [Correlation coefficient = -0.43, (p<0.01)]. CONCLUSION: This finding might be due to the inhibition of cancer induction following exposure to the low doses of ionizing radiation and probably can be a confirmation of radiation hormesis. However, due to some uncertainties, the conclusion should be interpreted with caution. Further national and international studies are suggested.
INTRODUCTION: The effect of natural background radiation on Cancer is still challenging. The investigation of association between external gamma rays and Cancer was the main goal of study. MATERIALS #ENTITYSTARTX00026; METHODS: External Gamma rays were measured using a radiation survey meter in 184 urban and rural health centers to estimate the exposure to the population in residential areas of Babol. The dose distribution map was compared to the 5 years radiation induced cancer incidence data from cancer registry center in north part of Iran. RESULTS: Results showed that although the external gamma ray level in Babol is nearly equal to the average natural background radiation in the world, there is a relatively weak inverse association between local external gamma ray and incidence of Cancer [Correlation coefficient = -0.43, (p<0.01)]. CONCLUSION: This finding might be due to the inhibition of cancer induction following exposure to the low doses of ionizing radiation and probably can be a confirmation of radiation hormesis. However, due to some uncertainties, the conclusion should be interpreted with caution. Further national and international studies are suggested.
Authors: Z S Zunic; J P McLaughlin; C Walsh; A Birovljev; S E Simopoulos; B Jakupi; V Gordanic; M Demajo; F Trotti; R Falk; H Vanmarcke; J Paridaens; K Fujimoto Journal: Sci Total Environ Date: 2001-05-14 Impact factor: 7.963
Authors: E Cardis; M Vrijheid; M Blettner; E Gilbert; M Hakama; C Hill; G Howe; J Kaldor; C R Muirhead; M Schubauer-Berigan; T Yoshimura; F Bermann; G Cowper; J Fix; C Hacker; B Heinmiller; M Marshall; I Thierry-Chef; D Utterback; Y-O Ahn; E Amoros; P Ashmore; A Auvinen; J-M Bae; J Bernar Solano; A Biau; E Combalot; P Deboodt; A Diez Sacristan; M Eklof; H Engels; G Engholm; G Gulis; R Habib; K Holan; H Hyvonen; A Kerekes; J Kurtinaitis; H Malker; M Martuzzi; A Mastauskas; A Monnet; M Moser; M S Pearce; D B Richardson; F Rodriguez-Artalejo; A Rogel; H Tardy; M Telle-Lamberton; I Turai; M Usel; K Veress Journal: BMJ Date: 2005-06-29