In terms of safety, which of the following best describes radiation hormesis?

Radiation hormesis is a concept in radiobiology that suggests low doses of ionizing radiation may have a beneficial effect on health, potentially stimulating protective biological responses. This theory posits that exposure to low levels of radiation can lead to a reduction in harmful effects typically associated with higher doses, such as cancer and genetic mutations.

The protective effect at low doses is thought to involve mechanisms like enhanced DNA repair, increased apoptosis of damaged cells, and stimulation of immune responses. The idea is that the body can adapt and respond positively to low levels of stress, in this case, the stress from radiation exposure.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the premise of radiation hormesis. Believing that radiation is harmful at any dose overlooks the nuances of how biological systems might react to low levels of radiation. Stating it only occurs at high doses mischaracterizes the core principle of hormesis, which focuses specifically on the benefits at lower levels. Lastly, saying it has no biological significance dismisses the research and discussions surrounding potential beneficial effects from low-dose exposure, which is a critical component of the hormesis hypothesis.