[ RadSafe ] CT scans dangerous?

[Harold]

Prior Message:

 

If you imply that the benefit from proper medical care from a CT scan is
reasonable compared to the risk of a future cancer, that is true.

 

However, the only benefit from ALARA is lower risk of a future cancer.  

 

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The stated purpose of ALARA is to reduce exposure but the benefit is most
often a reduction in costs and an improvement in procedures.  It is really
very typical at reactor sites that for ALARA compliance work procedures are
planned and rehearsed prior to implementation resulting in fewer errors,
shorter work times, and less cost.

 

If I install an overhead crane track and quick release connects on my "hot"
pumps, then one or two men can disconnect the pump, wheel it out of the pump
room onto a dolly and take it to the hot machine shop for refurbishment
rather than doing the work in place, all in the name of ALARA.  The result
is shorter outages, reduced exposure, and significant cost savings.

 

There are many such examples of such limited modifications which really
improve maintenance and operating procedures all in the name of ALARA but
whose benefit is more than just that.

 

 

Ya-Hey_Tey (Navajo for hello) Franz,

Glad to hear your CT scan was clear.  

 

over the last three years received a friend of mine has received a
high-resolution CT scan of her lungs every six months.  Such exposure is
warranted since she has diffuse Systemic Scleroderma and in the course of
the first five years of this disease, the development of scarring in the
lungs is extremely dangerous, so the doctors watch closely.  In this case,
frequent CTs are reasonable.

 

Hal Careway

San Jose, CA