The Federal Court of Australia has ruled that two soldiers died of cancer
because they were exposed to low levels of radiation while occupying Hiroshima
in 1945. The decision last month backs the consensus among regulatory agencies
that there is no threshold below which radiation is safe—a view that is
increasingly challenged in the US and France. The soldiers received doses of
less than 5 millisieverts, while the international safety limit for workers is
20 millisieverts. “Even extremely low doses have an associated risk,” Donald
Higson of the Australian Radiation Protection Society told the court.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Physics
Record-breaking, fast-spinning magnet could help uncover new physics
News
Environment
An unexpected feedback loop may be driving mega heatwaves
News
91ɫÇéƬ
Less than 4 minutes of vigorous exercise a day could halve your dementia risk
News
91ɫÇéƬ
Parkinson’s may be driven by ‘vicious cycle’ that disrupts brain waste drainage
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles