[ RadSafe ] (no subject)

[John Ahlquist]

Editor:  I'm sending from my home eamil rather than my receiving email  
of john.ahlquist at ucop.edu.

Thanks.
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I've seen estimates that 25,000 to 250,000 unnecessary abortions were  
performed in Europe following Chernobyl because of radiophobia.  Even  
if those numbers are way too high, it is likely that the radiophobia  
cost many more lives than the accident itself.  Teller is correct that  
fear is more toxic than the actual exposure.

The antis need to consider the effects of their actions when they  
strive mightily [and often successfully] to foment fear of radiation.

John Ahlquist

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Blaming every preceived problem on the use of the LNT hypothesisis the
same as anti-nuclear people blaming radiation for every cancer.

I don't think anyone is doing that. Radiophobia is a real phenomenon,
and clearly at least a contributory element in the depression,
alcoholism, etc. cited in the article. It certainly was the cause of the
unnecessary abortions in Europe post-Chernobyl, the cause of the only
fatalities at TMI (traffic accidents). I don't see a direct connection
here with LNT. People are afraid of radiation in a manner that is out of
proportion to its real threat. Radiation, like electricity, can pose a
real threat, but can be managed and if properly managed, like
electricity, we can live without unhealthy fear of it while it is part
of our lives. Correction of misperception is at least a good thing, if
not a responsibility that those of us who know better, to do.


Mike

Michael G. Stabin, PhD, CHP
Assistant Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences
Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences
Vanderbilt University
1161 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37232-2675
Phone (615) 343-0068
Fax   (615) 322-3764
Pager (615) 835-5153
e-mail     michael.g.stabin at vanderbilt.edu
internet   www.doseinfo-radar.com