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Epidemiological studies on health detriment to occupationally exposed members of the General Work force are not conclusive. This is likely because x-rays have a weak mutagenic effect, the General Workforce is minimally exposed, and the effects of exposure on Worker health may take many years to manifest.
Lacking strong epidemiological evidence, health science data from Hiroshima survivors is used to support a linear model of risk. That is, half the dose implies half the risk.
This underlies the need to keep doses to As Low As Reasonably Achieveable (ALARA).
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