Exposure to chronic, low-dose rate γ-radiation at Chornobyl does not induce point mutations in Big Blue® mice

Empirical genetic effects resulting from low‐dose rate irradiation and chronic, cumulative exposure are poorly characterized. Expected effects are based on epidemiological studies and downward, linear extrapolations from nonthreshold models derived from acute, high‐dose exposures. These extrapolations and their associated risk coefficients have no experimental support, and because of their inherent uncertainty they are the subject of considerable debate. The expectation of deleterious genetic effects resulting from low‐dose rate irradiation and chronic exposure is in need of empirical assessment because this type of exposure is typical of those encountered in occupational, residential, and environmental settings. Recent acute low‐dose (