Radiological Incidents Research Articles

Strategies to Strengthen Hospital Response for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Incident: A Multisite Study.

In responding to a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear explosive (CBRNe) disaster, clinical leaders have important decision-making responsibilities which include implementing hospital disaster protocols or incident command systems, managing staffing, and allocating resources. Despite emergency care clinical leaders' integral role, there is minimal literature regarding the strategies they may use during CBRNe disasters. The aim of this study was to explore emergency care clinical leaders' strategies related to managing patients following a CBRNe disaster. Focus groups across 5 tertiary hospitals and 1 rural hospital in Queensland, Australia. Thirty-six hospital clinical leaders from the 6 study sites crucial to hospital disaster response participated in 6 focus groups undertaken between February and May 2021 that explored strategies and decision making to optimize patient care following a CBRNe disaster. Analysis revealed the use of rehearsals, adopting new models of care, enacting current surge management processes, and applying organization lessons were facilitating strategies. Barriers to management were identified, including resource constraints and sites operating over capacity. Enhanced education and training of clinical leaders, flexible models of care, and existing established processes and tested frameworks could strengthen a hospital's response when managing patients following a CBRNe disaster.

Establishment and Application of a New Radiation Biodosimetric Method Based on the Quantitative RPA-SHERLOCK Amplification Technology.

Biodosimetry is a key diagnostic tool for radiation exposure, risk assessment and treatment planning of acute radiation sickness. To effectively respond to a large-scale radiological incident, there is a need for the development of biodosimetric methods with fast, portable, and convenient operating advantages. We employed the recombinase polymerase amplification specific high-sensitivity enzymatic reporter unlocking (RPA-SHERLOCK) technology to establish a method for fast radiation dose assessment by measuring the expression level of radiation-inducible genes. Moreover, we proposed for the first time the principle of quantitative detection of curve slopes based on this method. Using this new method, changes in mRNA expression were confirmed in a number of radiation-sensitive genes (XPC, CDKN1A, and ATM) in human lymphocytes after irradiation. The standard curve of the dose-effect relationship was established, which can be used to quickly determine the exposed dose of the irradiated samples. Compared with traditional detection methods such as RT-qPCR, this method was found to be more convenient, fast and easy to operate. With the same amount of template input as RT-qPCR, the detection time of this method can be shortened to less than 20 min. The detection instrument required by this method is also more portable than a qPCR system.

Influence of Mental Model-derived Themes on the Quality of Radiological Emergency Response by HAZMAT Technicians: Insights from a Case Study.

This paper investigates the link between gaps in emergency responders' notions of mental model regarding radiation and risk and their effectiveness in responding to radiological incidents. Particularly, this work focused on exploring themes that emerged in prior work related to improper understanding and application of knowledge concepts related to radiation risks and Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) scenarios (Leek et al., 2024b). The research uses a quantitative approach to correlate various thematic elements, such as responders' confidence levels, comprehension, and application of radiation risk principles, with the quality of the emergency response score gained through a virtual reality simulation. The results underscore a strong effect of responders' confidence level on response quality scores. Additionally, the study identifies that improper understanding of knowledge concepts and incorrect application of radiation risk and RDD concepts are factors that detract from the quality of response, especially the tendency to overestimate health risks associated with a 25-rem (0,25 Sv) dose and to misapply principles of radiation risk. The implications of this research are significant for the development and refinement of training programs for hazardous materials (HAZMAT) technicians and other emergency responders. The findings suggest the need for a comprehensive review of current training methodologies to address the identified deficiencies that had impacts on the quality of response. The findings provide a foundation for reshaping training priorities and operational readiness, driving the development of training that is both grounded in empirical evidence and that directly addresses the knowledge gaps influencing response quality. The methodological framework developed and employed, including the quality scoring system and the Expected Mental Model State (EMMS) Diagnostic Matrix, also hold potential for broader application in future investigations, extending to diverse types of responders and emergency scenarios.

Long-term Radiation Signal Persistence in Urine and Blood: A Two-year Analysis in Non-human Primates Exposed to a 4 Gy Total-Body Gamma-Radiation Dose.

National security concerns regarding radiological incidents, accidental or intentional in nature, have increased substantially over the past few years. A primary area of intense planning is the assessment of exposed individuals and timely medical management. However, exposed individuals who receive survivable radiation doses may develop delayed effects of acute radiation exposure many months or years later. Therefore, it is necessary to identify such individuals and determine whether their symptoms may have been initiated by radiation and require complex medical interventions. We previously developed early response metabolomic biosignatures in biofluids from non-human primates exposed to a total body gamma radiation dose of 4 Gy (up to 60 days). A follow-up of these animals has been ongoing with samples consistently collected every few months for up to 2 years after exposure, providing a unique cohort to determine if a radiation signal persists longer than 2 months. Metabolic fingerprinting in urine and serum determined that exposed animals remain metabolically different from pre-exposure levels and from age-matched controls, and the pre-determined biosignature maintains high sensitivity and specificity. Significant perturbations in tricarboxylic acid intermediates, cofactors and nucleotide metabolism were noted, signifying energetic changes that could be attributed to or perpetuate altered mitochondrial dynamics. Importantly, these animals have begun developing diseases such as hypertension much earlier than their age-matched controls, further emphasizing that radiation exposure may lead to accelerated aging. This NHP cohort provides important information and highlights the potential of metabolomics in determining persistent changes and a radiation-specific signature that can be correlated to phenotype.

A Novel Anthropometric Phantom for Rapid Radiological Triage: A Quick Sort Triage Solution.

Rapidly identifying individuals who have received internal radiation exposure above action guidelines is crucial for mitigating health risks and addressing public concerns immediately following a radiological event involving the dispersal of radioactive materials. This study describes a novel triage method using a conventional Geiger-Mueller (GM) detector to select those individuals from the large group of persons who may have received an intake of radioactive material at levels corresponding to one Clinical Decision Guide (CDG). The triage method involves placing a portable GM detector against the lower anterior torso of a sitting person as they bend over to surround the detector with their body. The response of the GM detector is evaluated using a new, specially designed anthropometric phantom that simulates combined tissues of the lower thorax and gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is fabricated with a tissue substitute material that matches the overall radiological properties of human tissue present in this body region. The phantom has four separate layers of tissue substitute material with ports to accommodate a single GM detector at the center and one or more sealed radioactive sources that can be arranged to characterize the detector response for a variety of source distributions, including a "hot spot." In this study, the response of a Ludlum Model 133-4 GM detector was evaluated using sealed sources of 232Th and 137Cs to determine the measurement efficiency for a quantity of activity present in the abdomen within a few hours post-intake equivalent to 1 CDG. Results demonstrate that the Quick Sort triage procedure using a single GM detector placed against the abdomen of a person can reliably detect internal deposition resulting from an intake equivalent to 1 CDG for 232Th or a significantly lower activity of 137Cs within a few hours following a radiological incident. The evaluation was performed over a wide range of photon energies, so the Quick Sort triage procedure is expected to be suitable for most fission products distributed uniformly within the abdomen or as a single "hot spot."

Catastrophe in Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil in 2024: sensing for survey on the radiological sources of submerged equipment and their possible environmental damage

The increasing occurrence of environmental catastrophes has heightened global concern regarding the management of radiological sources. This study addresses the challenges related to the detection and assessment of radiological damage in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Given the growing use of radiological materials for industrial, medical, and energy production purposes, the risk of environmental contamination from accidental or intentional releases has intensified. Our research focuses on the implementation of advanced sensing technologies capable of detecting low-level radiological emissions over large areas. The study highlights the need for precise, real-time data acquisition methods to mitigate the effects of radiological exposure and protect both ecosystems and human populations from potential harm. Additionally, we explore the role of early warning systems in reducing the response time during environmental disasters, particularly in regions vulnerable to radiological threats. Field experiments conducted in Rio Grande do Sul demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed detection methodologies in identifying radiological contamination and assessing the extent of environmental damage. The findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and development of more sophisticated detection techniques in areas prone to radiological hazards. This work contributes to improving regional preparedness for radiological incidents, safeguarding public health, and preserving environmental integrity.

A Comparison Between Volar Locking Plates and Percutaneous Pinning in the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures: A Systematic Review

Percutaneous fixation with Kirschner wires and open reduction and internal fixation with volar locking plates are the most common surgical techniques for managing distal radius fractures (DRFs). As the superiority of either technique is yet to be established, we aimed to conduct an updated systematic review to compare these techniques for the optimal management of unstable DRFs. We conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify studies comparing fixation outcomes for DRFs between groups treated with Kirschner wires and those treated with volar locking plates. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of RCTs. Meta-analyses were performed only on outcome measures that were reported at the same time points using the same metrics across three or more RCTs. Evaluated outcomes included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, grip strength, wrist range of motion, and radiological outcomes. We also assessed the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score and incidence of complications. Fourteen RCTs with 2,226 patients were included in the meta-analysis. DASH scores were significantly lower in the plating group at all time points. PRWE outcomes favored the plating group at follow-ups greater than 1 year. There were no significant differences in radiological outcomes or incidence of complications between the two groups. Although the plating group provided marginally better functional outcomes at 1 year after surgery, the K-wire group remained a viable alternative. The reported differences should be interpreted cautiously because of the inherent variability of the included RCTs. High-quality RCTs with strict inclusion criteria and standard postoperative protocols are essential to generalize our results across all age groups and fracture types to overcome our study's limitations. Therapy/Prevention, Etiology/Harm II.

Advancements in Biological Dosimetry Techniques for Surge Response to Radiation Emergencies in Ghana

The awareness of the use of biodosimetry to estimate external radiation doses received by individuals and in radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, diagnostic, and interventional radiology has gained traction in recent years. At present Ghana is poised to integrate about 1GW of nuclear power into its electricity mix by 2034. The increased awareness of biodosimetry is probably due to increased radiological threats and incidents, medical and forensic applications, the quest to strengthen emergency response to unplanned radiation exposures such as radiological accidents, and the malevolent use of radioactive sources. Biodosimetry capabilities would play an effective role during public health management of radiation emergencies for rapid dose estimation and help to medically categorize the exposures for the purpose of prioritizing treatment of the affected persons. Moreover, it will also serve to provide reassurance and psychological support for the “worried-well”. Biodosimetry methods and infrastructure can also be utilized for various applications, including molecular research, medical cytogenetics, and forensics. This write-up assesses the status of biodosimetry methods and infrastructure capabilities available at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), which could be leveraged during radiological or allied scenarios.

Learning interventions in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region: supporting Member States to get prepared for better response to health emergencies in the region.

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) faces numerous public health risks caused by biological, chemical, man-made, and natural hazards. This manuscript aimed to assess the multifaceted interventions and strategies used to strengthen the EMR's preparedness capacities to respond properly to current and upcoming health emergencies. To address these challenges, it is crucial to implement comprehensive and robust strategic risk assessments and health emergency preparedness frameworks. The World Health Organization (WHO) takes a risk-based approach, emphasizing the significance of all-hazards emergency management and the creation of national health risk profiles using the Strategic Toolkit for Assessing Risk (STAR). Furthermore, the International Health Regulations (IHR) Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (MEF) ensures continuous learning and capacity building among Member States, enhancing their ability to manage health emergencies effectively. Key components include State Party Annual Reporting (SPAR), Joint External Evaluation (JEE), After Action Review (AAR), Intra Action Review (IAR), and Simulation Exercises (SimEx). Moreover, initiatives like One Health, Emergency Care Systems, Safe Hospitals, and Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs) reinforce preparedness and response capacities. Risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategies play a pivotal role in disseminating timely information and fostering community resilience. Furthermore, the management of Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBRN) incidents remains a priority, necessitating collaboration between the public health and security sectors. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen health systems, reduce risks, and improve emergency response capabilities throughout the EMR, thereby promoting global health security and resilience. The EMR is addressing public health challenges through frameworks like IHR-MEF, and RCCE. It is strengthening emergency care systems, ensuring safe hospitals, and establishing PHEOCs. Proactive measures to address CBRN events and collaboration are enhancing resilience. The inclusion of the One Health approach underscores the EMR's holistic strategy to address the health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. This demonstrates the EMR's commitment to global health security.

A Call for Curriculum Development to Prepare Medical Students and Residents to Assist with Mass Casualties after a Catastrophic Radiological or Nuclear Incident.

A Call for Curriculum Development to Prepare Medical Students and Residents to Assist with Mass Casualties after a Catastrophic Radiological or Nuclear Incident.

Selecting the Most Relevant Mouse Strains for Evaluating Radiation-Induced Multiple Tissue Injury after Leg-Shielded Partial-Body Gamma Irradiation.

Animal studies are needed that best simulate a large-scale, inhomogeneous body exposure after a radiological or nuclear incident and that provides a platform for future development of medical countermeasures. A partial-body irradiation (PBI) model using 137Cs gamma rays with hind limb (tibia) shielding was developed and assessed for the sequalae of radiation injuries to gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow (BM) and lung and among different genetic mouse strains (C57BL/6J, C57L/J, CBA/J and FVB/NJ). In this case, a marginal level of BM shielding (∼2%) provided adequate protection against lethality from infection and hemorrhage and enabled escalation of radiation doses with evaluation of both acute and delayed radiation syndromes. A steep radiation dose-dependent body weight loss was observed over the first 5 days attributed to enteritis with C57BL/6J mice appearing to be the most sensitive strain. Peripheral blood cell analysis revealed significant depression and recovery of leukocytes and platelets over the first month after PBI and were comparable among the four different mouse strains. Latent pulmonary injury was observed on micro-CT imaging at 4 months in C57L/J mice and confirmed histologically as severe pneumonitis that was lethal at 12 Gy. The lethality and radiological densitometry (HUs) dose responses were comparable to previous studies on C57L/J mice after total-body irradiation (TBI) and BM transplant rescue as well as after localized whole-thorax irradiation (WTI). Indeed, the lethal radiation doses and latency appeared similar for pneumonitis appearing in rhesus macaques after WTI or PBI as well as predicted for patients given systemic radiotherapy. In contrast, PBI treatment of C57BL/6 mice at a higher dose of 14 Gy had far longer survival times and developed extreme and debilitating pIeural effusions; an anomaly as similarly reported in previous thorax irradiation studies on this mouse strain. In summary, a radiation exposure model that delivers PBI to unanesthetized mice in a device that provides consistent shielding of the hind limb BM was developed for 137Cs gamma rays with physical characteristics and relevance to relatively high photon energies expected from the detonation of a nuclear device or accidental release of ionizing radiation. Standard strains such as C57BL/6J mice may be used reliably for early GI or hematological radiation syndromes while the C57L/J mouse strain stands out as the most appropriate for evaluating the delayed pulmonary effects of acute radiation exposure and recapitulating this disease in humans.

Note on testing of radiological events in conventional and dental radiology.

Since 2013, the adoption of Directive 2013/59/EURATOM in the European Union has mandated emergency plans for facilities housing radiology equipment, including radiology and dental clinics, and required periodical testing of these plans. However, the testing procedures have sparked widespread confusion regarding the definition of radiological emergencies in clinical settings. A potential solution lies in broadening the scope to include 'radiological events', covering accidents, incidents or other type of unjustified exposures. Utilizing realistic scenarios can enhance the radiological protection system within institutions, specifically addressing situations that might lead to unwanted patient exposure.

Diagnosis and emergency management of radiological incidents

Incidents involving ionizing radiation pose a risk of immediate and long-term clinical consequences for both victims and responders in the event of secondary contamination. Rapid identification of the problem and a coordinated response are crucial. This article summarizes the key challenges related to the emergency management of a single patient or multiple victims, addressing the importance of recognizing such a case, radioprotection measures, decontamination, and available treatments.

Effects of aging of radioactive fallout on timely decontamination of concrete using low and mild pressure washing

Timely decontamination will reduce the consequences of a radiological contamination event. For this purpose, pressure washing can be rapidly deployed, but its effectiveness will change if the interactions between the surface and radionuclides changes as the contamination “ages” under the influence of time and precipitation. While effects of this aging have been reported for dissolved cesium, they have not been studied for radionuclides present as particulate, e.g., fallout. This work studied the effects of aging on decontamination with low (<280 kPa/40 psi) and mild (14,000 kPa/2000 psi) pressure washing, on concrete contaminated with surrogate fallout consisting of soluble Cs-137, 0.5 μm silica particles, and 2 μm silica particles. The samples were aged up to 59 days (time between contamination and decontamination) with and without simulated precipitation. The percent removal following decontamination of the soluble cesium decreased over the first ten days of aging until the removals were less than 10 % for both low and mild pressure washing. The particle decontamination was independent of aging time but decontaminating via mild pressure washing (>80 % particle removal) significantly outperformed decontaminating by low pressure washing by flowing solution across (parallel to) the contaminated surface (<25 % particle removal). The observed changes in decontamination efficacy are explained via measurements of the penetration depth of contaminants. For soluble cesium, the results compared favorably with prior studies and theoretical treatment of cesium penetration, and they yielded additional insight into the effect of washing pressures on decontamination. There are no comparable studies for particulate contamination, so this study resulted in several novel observations which are operationally important for timely decontamination of surfaces following a radiological incident. It also suggests an evidence-based pressure washing procedure for timely decontamination of soluble and insoluble radionuclides which can be used throughout the emergency phase and into the early recovery phase.

Preparedness and emergency response strategies for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear emergencies in disaster management: A qualitative systematic review

AbstractDisaster management, mainly related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incidents, is a critical field that requires constant evaluation to improve preparedness and response strategies. This review synthesises evidence on global health sector strategies for CBRN preparedness, gathering lessons to enhance policymaking for future response and readiness. This review included original English and French research addressing healthcare preparedness for CBRN threats. Database searches, such as EBSCO, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Ovid, Lissa, and Santécom, were conducted until November 2022. The Joanna Briggs Institute's tools were utilised to assess the risk of bias. Al‐Raayan® and Nvivo® version 12 software were employed for the review and analysis. 57 articles in English and 6 in French met the inclusion criteria. The analysis identified numerous strategies, concentrating on chemical and biological incidents (Chemical and biological bioterrorism: n = 27; Epidemics and Outbreak: n = 15). “Hospitals”, “responsibility”, and “health” emerged as prominent keywords, emphasising institutional roles and health outcomes in CBRN incidents preparedness. Key findings highlighted the need for a unified global definition of bioterrorism to align international efforts. Hospital‐level initiatives were emphasised as the foundation for national preparedness, emphasising specialised training, community engagement, and robust coordination mechanisms. Geographical variability in response strategies was noted, necessitating a harmonised global approach. Continuous research, epidemic management, and addressing radiological/nuclear threats emerged as crucial elements. Among others, strategies defined under “Emergency Response Preparedness” and “Intersectoral Policy Development” outlined comprehensive preparedness contexts for CBRN incidents. The review suggests an imperative shift towards building collaborative networks and enhancing health sector operational readiness to mitigate the impacts of CBRN incidents.

Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear event detection and classification using ontology interrogation and social media data

In an era where chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents present a grave threat to public safety, timely and accurate information is paramount. The complexity of the CBRN concept encompasses a range of incidents, each with unique and overlapping symptoms, related substances, and event descriptions. This study introduces an innovative approach to the development of a CBRN-specific ontology, uniting diverse data sources and domain expertise to construct a comprehensive repository of CBRN events, sub-events, their causes, symptoms, and toxic substances. Unlike prior methodologies reliant on keyword searches and predefined categories, our approach enables a holistic analysis of textual data by capturing intricate relationships between symptoms and toxic substances. We leverage this ontology in conjunction with a tailored interrogation algorithm to detect potential CBRN incidents through social media data. The algorithm was then tested on datasets of three actual CBRN incidents, one fictional incident (TV show) that simulated a nuclear incident and one non-CBRN. The interrogation algorithm was able to detect the five CBRN incidents accurately. However, the study showcased the need to extend the algorithm to distinguish between real and fictional CBRN incidents. These findings underscore the potential of this approach to deliver timely information on potential CBRN incidents. Nevertheless, the study acknowledged the inherent challenges and limitations in utilizing social media data, including the risk of misinformation, fictional events, fake news, and interference from malicious actors, all of which can affect the accuracy and reliability of the information collected.

Interlaboratory comparison of high-throughput protein biomarker assay quantifications for radiation exposure classification.

In the event of a widespread radiological incident, thousands of individuals will require rapid assessment of exposure using validated biodosimetry assays to inform clinical triage. In this scenario, multiple biodosimetry laboratories may be necessary for large-volume sample processing. To meet this need, we have developed a high-throughput assay for the rapid measurement of intracellular protein biomarkers in human peripheral blood samples using an Imaging Flow Cytometry (IFC) platform. The objective of this work was to harmonize and validate the reproducibility of our blood biomarker assay for radiation exposure across three IFC instruments, two located at Columbia University (CU) and the third at Health Canada. The Center for Radiological Research (CRR) at CU served as the central laboratory and reference instrument, where samples were prepared in triplicate, labeled with two radiation responsive leukocyte biomarkers (BAX and phosphor-p53 (Ser37)), and distributed for simultaneous interrogation by each IFC. Initial tests showed that significantly different baseline biomarker measurements were generated on each instrument when using the same acquisition settings, suggesting that harmonization of signal intensities is necessary. Subsequent tests harmonized biomarker measurements after irradiation by modulating laser intensity using two reference materials: unstained samples and standardized rainbow beads. Both methods generated measurements on each instrument without significant differences between the new and references instruments, allowing for the use of one master template to quantify biomarker expression across multiple instruments. Deming regression analyses of 0-5 Gy dose-response curves showed overall good correlation of BAX and p53 values across new and reference instruments. While Bland-Altman analyses indicated low to moderate instrument biases, ROC Curve analyses ultimately show successful discrimination between exposed and unexposed samples on each instrument (AUC values > 0.85).

Radiological or nuclear emergency OSL dosimetry using commonplace salt

During recovery phases following a nuclear or radiological incident, it is crucial to assess the radiation exposure of both the general public and responders. This assessment is vital for directing protective actions and for conducting subsequent analyses of the incident's impact. Several methods have been employed at different timescales after an incident, including assessments based on measurements of materials present at the time of the incident. Common salt has previously been shown to have potential for retrospective dosimetry in the μGy-mGy dose range using portable OSL instruments. This study aims to explore the effects of sample storage under light and dark conditions on OSL signals. The OSL signals indicate a brief decrease in luminescence during the initial days after irradiation, followed by a gradual rise with extended storage. The period from 8 days to 64 days is characterized by relatively stable results, which encompass a significant portion of the timeframe relevant for dose estimation during both the early and later phases of responding to radiological emergencies. Light exposure (simulated daylight) results in an extremely rapid loss of OSL signals. Results are discussed with reference to TL measurements of associated trapping systems which provide insight into potential zeroing mechanisms and the observed fading behaviour. The results are sufficiently favourable to conclude that these characteristics, together with the widespread availability and low cost of household salt, support its use for prompt emergency assessment and as a retrospective dosimeter, below 100 μGy.

Advanced-level paramedic perspectives on competence requirements for responding to radiological/nuclear incidents

The threat of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents has been a topic of increasing concern in recent years, and the need for increasing preparedness and competence among the first responder professions is widely recognized. This qualitative study explored advanced-level paramedic perspectives on competence requirements for responding to radiological/nuclear (R/N) incidents. This study utilized reflective essays (n = 26) written by advanced-level paramedics after familiarizing themselves with a fictional accidental nuclear power plant incident scenario. The material was analyzed using inductive content analysis. Three main categories were found: 1) Awareness of operating in multi-authority RN incidents, 2) Consideration of occupational safety, and 3) Competence in emergency care nursing and management during RN incidents. The results can be utilized for enhancing the competence management and training provision of Emergency Medical Services organizations.

A Review of Recent Low-dose Research and Recommendations for Moving Forward.

The linear no-threshold (LNT) model has been the regulatory "law of the land" for decades. Despite the long-standing use of LNT, there is significant ongoing scientific disagreement on the applicability of LNT to low-dose radiation risk. A review of the low-dose risk literature of the last 10 y does not provide a clear answer, but rather the body of literature seems to be split between LNT, non-linear risk functions (e.g., supra- or sub-linear), and hormetic models. Furthermore, recent studies have started to explore whether radiation can play a role in the development of several non-cancer effects, such as heart disease, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes, the mechanisms of which are still being explored. Based on this review, there is insufficient evidence to replace LNT as the regulatory model despite the fact that it contributes to public radiophobia, unpreparedness in radiation emergency response, and extreme cleanup costs both following radiological or nuclear incidents and for routine decommissioning of nuclear power plants. Rather, additional research is needed to further understand the implications of low doses of radiation. The authors present an approach to meaningfully contribute to the science of low-dose research that incorporates machine learning and Edisonian approaches to data analysis.