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High-energy LINACs unavoidably yield ionizing radiation. This fact makes them subject to strict regulations and considerably limits applications. During the last two decades the attitude to ionizing radiation hazards seems to become more balanced, as opposed to "radiophobia" of the Cold-War era. Scientifically, the linear no-threshold (LNT) model of radiation damage is more and more questioned. Moreover, the hypotheses of radiation hormesis - beneficial effect of low-dose radiation - is studied. While this scientific debate has not yet given fruit regarding radiation regulation and policy, we may expect this in near to middle term. Namely, the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) demand is anticipated to be substituted by some tolerance level, which in turn is anticipated to be very high according to the present standards. The presentation will review the present status of the radiation-hazard debate, and outline anticipated opportunities for LINAC applications, like compact designs and wider industrial outreach.
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