Skip to main content
Log in

Threshold estimation from the linear dose-response model: Method and radiation data

  • Research
  • Published:
Environmental Management Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The linear dose-response model is considered a conservative, nonthreshold relationship. This is based on a confusion between the sufficient condition (that is, zero slope at zero dose) and the necessary condition (that is, response distinguishable from zero). Once the threshold is properly defined, it is shown that the linear model predicts thresholds for radiation data in good agreement with experimental results.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Literature cited

  • Adler, H. I., and A. M. Weinberg. 1978. An approach to setting radiation standards.Health Physics 34:719–720.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Broad, W. 1980. The case of the unmentioned malignancy.Science 210:1229–1230.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chadwick, K. H., and H. P: Leenhouts. 1973. A molecular theory of cell survival.Physics in Medicine and Biology 18:78–87.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Furcinitti, P. S., and P. Todd. 1979. Gamma rays: Further evidence for lack of a threshold dose for lethality to human cells.Science 206:475–476.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Guess, H., K. Crump, and R. Peto. 1977. Uncertainty estimates for low-dose-rate extrapolations of animal carcinogenidty data.Cancer Research 37:3475–3483.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Interagency Regulatory Liason Group, Work Group on Risk Assessment. 1979. Scientific bases for identification of potential carcinogens and estimation of risks.Federal Register 44 No. 131:39857–39879.

    Google Scholar 

  • Janardan, K. G., and D. J. Schaeffer. 1977. Models for the analysis of chromosomal aberrations in human leukocytes.Biometrical Journal 19:599–612.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kellerer, A. M., and H. H. Rossi. 1972. The theory of dual radiation.Current Topics in Radiation Research 87:85–158.

    Google Scholar 

  • Payne, M. G., and W. R. Garrett. 1975. Some relations between cell survival models having different inactivation mechanisms.Radiation Research 62:388–394.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schaeffer, D. J., K. G. Janardan, and H. W. Kerster. 1980a. Development and applications of an equilibrium dose response model.Environmental Mutagenesis 2:314.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schaeffer, D. J., K. G. Janardan, and H. W. Kerster. 1980b. Threshold and dose-response using the filter model.Environment International 4:157–162.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seiler, J. P. 1977. Apparent and real thresholds. Pages 233–238in D. Scott, B. A. Bridges, and F. Sobels eds. Progress in genetic toxicology. Elsevier/North Holland Biomedical Press, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snedecor, G. W., and W. G. Cochran. 1967. Statistical methods, sixth edition. Iowa State University Press. Ames.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sparrow, A. H., A. G. Underbrink, and H. H. Rossi. 1972. Mutations induced inTradescantia by small doses of X-rays and neutrons: Analysis of dose response curves.Science 176:916–918.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Totter, J. R., and F. J. Finamore. 1978. Dose response to carcinogenic and mutagenic treatments.Environment International 1:233–244.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vulpis, N., G. Panetta, and L. Tognacci. 1976. Radiation-induced chromosome aberrations in radiological protection: Dose response curves at low dose-levels.International Journal of Radiation Biology 29:595–600.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vulpis, N., L. Tognacci, and G. Scarpa. 1978. Chromosome aberrations as a dosimetric technique for fission neutrons over the dose range 0.2–50 rad.International Journal of Radiation Biology 33:301–306.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weinberg, A. M. 1978. On dose-response and standard setting. Institute for Energy Analysis. Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, TN. Occasional paper ORAU/IEA-78-21(0).

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, D. A. 1971. A test for differences between treatment means when several dose levels are compared with a zero dose control.Biometrics 27:103–117.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Schaeffer, D.J., Janardan, K.G. & Kerster, H.W. Threshold estimation from the linear dose-response model: Method and radiation data. Environmental Management 5, 515–520 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01866724

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01866724

Key words

Navigation