An article in the September 2003 issue of Scientific American discusses the possible health benefits of exposure to very low levels of otherwise harmful radiation or environmental contaminants. Just as exercise stresses the body, forcing it to respond by rebulding the stressed muscles, very small doses of carcinogens may have a similar effect, giving the body a chance to protect and strengthen itself.
The effect is called hormesis.
Note that the emphasis is on very small doses.
Posted by jt at September 10, 2003 05:05 PM