What is the response curve on which our radiation protection principles are based?

The response curve on which radiation protection principles are based is the non-threshold linear model. This model posits that any amount of radiation exposure, no matter how small, potentially carries some risk of causing harmful effects, such as cancer or genetic mutations. The linear aspect signifies that the risk of these effects increases proportionally with increasing doses of radiation, without a threshold level below which no risk exists.

This approach is particularly significant in radiation safety, as it emphasizes the importance of minimizing exposure. It reflects a conservative stance in public health and safety practices since it assumes that even very low levels of radiation must be managed and reduced to the lowest feasible limit to protect individuals and populations effectively. In practice, this means that any effort to reduce exposure, no matter how small, is viewed as beneficial. This principle is widely accepted in regulatory frameworks governing radiation exposure and reflects a precautionary approach, advocating for minimized risk in scenarios involving potential exposure to radiation.