In plain language
This National Research Council brief on Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) VII estimates that 100 mSv of x-ray or gamma radiation may cause about one extra cancer per 100 people in the general population, with proportionally lower risk at lower doses. Estimates are modelled, mainly from atomic bomb survivors.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Guideline or consensus statement
- Who was studied
- General population
- Where
- Japan, United States
- Topics
- Cancer riskBreast cancerThyroidCardiovascular diseasePregnancy and reproductive healthDNA and cellular effectsRegulation and policy
- Summary based on
- a web page
What it found
A review of biological and biophysical data supports a linear-no-threshold model, in which cancer risk continues linearly at low doses and the smallest dose may cause a small increase in risk.
The BEIR VII lifetime risk model predicts about one cancer per 100 people from a single 100 mSv exposure, against about 42 per 100 from other causes; risk falls proportionally, to about 1 in 1000 at 10 mSv.
Key figures: ~1 in 100 at 100 mSv; ~42 in 100 baseline; ~1 in 1000 at 10 mSv
Estimated excess cancer cases per 100,000 persons exposed to 100 mSv, with 95% subjective confidence intervals, are higher in females than males for solid cancer.
Key figures: Solid cancer: males 800 (400-1600), females 1300 (690-2500); leukemia: males 100 (30-300), females 70 (20-250)
There is no direct evidence of increased non-cancer disease, such as cardiovascular disease, at low doses, and data are inadequate to quantify such risk if it exists.
In special cases such as in utero exposure, some evidence suggests excess cancers can be detected at doses as low as 10 mSv.
Key figures: 10 mSv
Limits to keep in mind
Risk estimates rest mainly on Japanese atomic bomb survivor data transported to a US population, with wide subjective confidence intervals; below about 100 mSv, statistical limits make direct estimation difficult, so low-dose risks are extrapolated. The source is a summary brief, not specific to fluoroscopy staff.
Related research summaries
- Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
- Occupational Risks of Chronic Low Dose Radiation Exposure in Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (2013, Narrative review)
- Occupational Protection in Interventional Radiology. A Joint Guideline of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe and the Society of Interventional Radiology (2026, Guideline or consensus statement)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from a web page of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.