Consequence for which the
probability of occurrence depends on the
absorbed
dose; hereditary effects and cancer induced by radiation are
considered to be stochastic effects. The term '
stochastic' indicates
that the occurrence of effects so named would be random. This means
that, even for an individual, there is no threshold of
dose below which
there is absolutely no
probability of an effect occurring, and the
chance of experiencing the effect increases with increasing
dose.
Source:
PAC, 2001, 73, 993
(Risk assessment for occupational exposure to chemicals. A review of current methodology
(IUPAC Technical Report))
on page 1023