Evaluation of Data Relating Human Leukemia and Ionizing Radiation

The central argument of this paper is a discussion of the statistical reliability of existing data relating human leukemia and ionizing radiation. Conclusions reached by some observers, partly on the basis of statistical techniques having questionable applicability, reveal a confidence in the accura...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:JNCI : Journal of the National Cancer Institute 1958-08, Vol.21 (2), p.383-391
Main Author: KIMBALL, A W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Leukemia - etiology
Old Medline
Radiation - adverse effects
Radiation, Ionizing
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The central argument of this paper is a discussion of the statistical reliability of existing data relating human leukemia and ionizing radiation. Conclusions reached by some observers, partly on the basis of statistical techniques having questionable applicability, reveal a confidence in the accuracy of estimated leukemia rates that is difficult to justify. Several sources of error are outlined in detail, and their effect on the use of certain standard statistical methods is illustrated. The conclusion is reached that available data are insufficient to support any conclusion about the shape of the dose-response curve, particularly in the low-dose region.
ISSN:0027-8874
1460-2105
1460-2105
DOI:10.1093/jnci/21.2.383