In fact, a little radiation could be good for you

Currently, the EPA says there is no safe level of radiation exposure. It can change.
Photo: George Frey / Getty Images

EPA is on the verge of weakening regulations on radiation exposure, which is hardly surprising given the Trump Administration's animosity to regulate environmental hazards. But this change comes with something that weakening standards of air quality and water does not make: an argument that bad things are actually good.

Current EPA regulations are based on the theory that there is no safe level of exposure to radiation. As the EPA itself recently said in March, "current scientific evidence suggests that any radiation exposure poses a cancer risk." Some believe, however, that this standard results in "unnecessary expense for the management of cancer." exposure in accidents, in nuclear power stations ". in medical centers and other sites, "reports The Associated Press.

The EPA has proposed a new rule:

The proposed rule would require regulators to consider "various models of thresholds throughout the range of exposure" when hazardous substances are involved. Although it does not specify deletion, the publication cites [University of Massachusetts toxicologist Edward] Calabrese called the proposal a "major scientific breakthrough" in the risk assessment of "chemicals and radiation".

Calabrese has some interesting ideas about radiation.

Calabrese and its supporters argue that smaller exposures of harmful radiation to cells and other carcinogens can be stressors that activate the body's repair mechanisms and can improve people's health. They compare it to physical exercise or sunlight.

According to Calabrese, in his 2014 essay, the traditional scientific consensus on radiation is based on a misleading science, which aims to "correct past mendoes and correct current errors in environmental regulation."

Jan Beyea is one of the main scientists who do not agree with Calabrese. Physicist and radiation exposure specialist, Beyea told AP that the new EPA rule would result in "increased exposure to chemicals and radiation at the scene work, at home and in the outside environment ". He said the individual cancer risk from radiation exposure would remain low, "but not the cumulative social risk".

The EPA is expected to hold a congressional hearing on the new settlement on Wednesday, with Calabrese as the main witness.