[Danger of radiation--a realistic view].

It is evident that ionizing radiation at high doses is able to damage living organisms and may induce cancer and leukemia in man. At low doses, however, biopositive effects appear possible too, for which examples are given. The mechanism of such effects can be explained as a general stimulation of the natural immune system. In conclusion, radiation at low doses is thus not as dangerous as often assumed but is rather essential for life and the maintenance of health.