[Radiation-induced DNA fragmentation evaluated by anti-poly(ADP-ribose)immunolabeling in CHO cells. Standardization with pulsed-field electrophoresis]

[Carcinogenic effects of low radiation doses]

The carcinogenic effect of low doses of ionizing radiation has been a matter of much debate over the last few years. The French Academy of Science published a report on the subject in 1995. The central point of discussion concerns the validity of the linear no threshold relationship for estimating, by extrapolation, the carcinogenic effect of low doses. The aim of this article is to analyze the epidemiological data on the effect of low doses and the biological data on the mechanisms of carcinogenesis that have been obtained since 1995. These data strengthen doubts concerning the validity of current risk evaluations at low doses.