Commentary on hormesis and public risk communication: is there a basis for public discussions?

Research on radiation exposure is now focusing on microbiology and the impact of low dose exposures on cells and cell components. Eventually, this research may provide evidence to support changes in the models used to regulate human and environmental exposures. Currently, three models using older research results are subjects of interest and comparison. The linear nothreshold model, the most restrictive on behalf of public health values, dominates regulatory decision making. Alternative models (i.e., the threshold model and the hormesis model) could reduce costs of radiation management, depending upon new research results and public acceptance. Enacting a new public exposure model is a daunting task for risk communication given existing public risk perceptions and the established public decision-making processes. Each of the three prominent models must answer the question, 'what social good requires the use of this model in contrast to the others?'