What is the definition of "radiation hormesis"?

Radiation hormesis refers to the hypothesis that low levels of ionizing radiation may have beneficial effects on health, rather than being strictly harmful. This concept suggests that exposure to low doses of radiation can stimulate protective mechanisms in the body, potentially leading to positive biological responses. This hypothesis stands in contrast to the more commonly accepted view that any exposure to ionizing radiation is harmful and should be minimized.

The understanding of radiation hormesis is important in the context of public health and regulatory policies regarding radiation exposure. Research into this area can inform decisions on safety standards and exposure limits for workers and the general public.

The other options, while related to radiation safety and health, do not accurately define the concept of radiation hormesis. The first option refers to the protective measures taken in radiation environments, the third deals with categorizing radiation levels without touching on health effects, and the fourth involves measuring exposure levels rather than discussing potential physiological responses.