Radiation

Evidence for the role of radiation in the development of acute leukaemia is derived from:

• nuclear disasters - Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Chernobyl
• repeated radiotherapy treatment

Features of radiation risk include:

• peak incidence 7 to 8 years after exposure
• risk is proportional to dose received, although the role of very low level - close to background - exposure is disputed

Residence close to nuclear establishments has been associated with an increased risk of acute leukaemia. However, the incidence is higher than could be explained solely from known levels of radiation exposure so that other factors may be involved.