[ RadSafe ] Relaxing ICRP dose limits not prudent

[parthasarathy k s]

Brennan Mike


I entirely agree with you. 

The justification for proposing high values for dose limits is on the assumption 
that repair processes will operate at low doses thereby canceling the adverse 
effects if any. I believe that there is limited evidence to support the 
assumption. A few days ago I brought to the notice of the list two interesting 
papers which indicated that the repair processes are  not that perfect. I have 
sought the views of the list on those papers. I am including it again at the 
end.

The actual radiation doses are only a small fraction of the respective dose 
limits. I believe that we must keep the present ICRP limits in force till there 
is irrefutable evidence to relax the values   




The following papers  reveal the complexities of  the DNA repair mechanisms
 
 
DNA mutation rates raise curtain on cause of cancer
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-07/bu-dmr063010.php >
 
Scientists uncover novel role for DNA repair protein linked to cancer
< http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-07/tu-sun063010.php >
 
The finding that the process of repairing DNA damage itself causes more 
mutations
is worrying. No wonder one may have to continue to accept LNT concept for the 
time being as a precautionary approach.

Any comments?

 
 
Regards
Parathasarathy
 


________________________________
From: "Brennan, Mike (DOH)" <Mike.Brennan at DOH.WA.GOV>
To: neildm at id.doe.gov; radsafe at agni.phys.iit.edu
Sent: Wed, 4 August, 2010 0:01:27
Subject: Re: [ RadSafe ] Interesting article

While I don't particularly disagree with the author's message, I do wish
he (and everyone else) wouldn't use statements like, "Given the
availability of carbon-free nuclear power, this makes a sea change in
our view of radiation rather urgent."  Selling nuclear power on its
"carbon-free" attribute is a mistake, as it unnecessarily embroils
nuclear power in an argument that should be about the down-side of
burning stuff that throws crap into the air.  Secondly, relaxing the
standards for radiation exposure to the public should not be sold as
necessary for the expansion of nuclear power, as proper design,
construction, and operation of a nuclear power plant does not expose the
public to anything close to current limits (and if someone feels they
need to be sloppier in their design, construction, and/or operation, I
don't think I want them involved. 

-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu
[mailto:radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu] On Behalf Of
neildm at id.doe.gov
Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 10:31 AM
To: radsafe at agni.phys.iit.edu
Subject: [ RadSafe ] Interesting article

I just found an article on the website of New Scientist magazine
supporting the position of relaxation of radiation limits based on more
rational perception of the risks.

"Our attitude to ionising radiation is irrational, and easing safety
limits would do far more good than harm, says Wade Allison"
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20727715.800-whos-afraid-of-radiat
ion.html

Here is a pirated blurb about the author: "Wade Allison is a nuclear and
medical physicist at the University of Oxford and the author of
Radiation and Reason (YPD Books). He has no ties to the nuclear
industry."


Dave Neil
DOE-ID Lessons Learned Coordinator

Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.  - George
Santayana

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