What does the term "radiation hormesis" refer to?

The term "radiation hormesis" refers to the hypothesis that low doses of ionizing radiation may actually have beneficial effects on health rather than being solely harmful. This concept suggests that exposure to small amounts of radiation might stimulate biological repair mechanisms and enhance immune system responses, potentially leading to a lower incidence of certain diseases or improved overall health outcomes.

Supporters of radiation hormesis propose that while high doses of radiation are known to cause damage and increase the risk of cancer and other health problems, low doses may trigger adaptive responses in living organisms. This view contrasts with the linear no-threshold model, which asserts that any amount of radiation exposure poses a risk of harm.

In essence, radiation hormesis encourages a reevaluation of how we view low-level radiation exposures, suggesting that these levels could be less detrimental—and possibly even beneficial—rather than inherently harmful as traditionally believed.