[ RadSafe ] Radiation scare tactics

[JOHN.RICH at sargentlundy.com]

Radsafers

with all the discussion on the new "reveal all" book about Chernobyl, it's 
worth considering an unintended consequence of the radiation "scare 
messages" that was discussed at a meeting of the Midwest HP chapter. 
(Something that hadn't occurred to me, but thankfully others are aware of 
it and are trying to come up with working strategies.)

 As a result of the MSM continually shouting about how lethal, deadly, 
etc, ANY radiation is - -  first responders, hospitals, and even some 
doctors will not commit to being available to treat people in the event of 
an improvised radiological dispersion device.   I don't have any 
specifics, but it turns out that at least a few hospitals are thinking 
about refusing to let contaminated individuals into their emergency rooms, 
and what's even more discouraging is that first responders are equally 
hesitant about dealing with radiation contamination.  (The discussions 
indicated that they'd enter a burning building, but not if it had 
radiation contamination.)

It sounds like the NCRP and ICRP need to get a document out from a 
"trusted source" that puts contamination into perspective.  In the 
meantime, is there something that the HPS can do officially, again as a 
"trusted source?"

I've started talking to friends, neighbors, etc to get a message out 
there, but haven't started sending letters to the editor yet.  If the HPS 
could come up with some good words, I'd be more than happy to spread them 
around.

Disclaimer, - -these are not the thoughts, positions, or opinions of my 
company or management.  I guess that's why they're so clear and well 
reasoned.  ;-)
 ___________
enough  - -jmr



John Rich
312-269-3768