[ RadSafe ] [ As low as possible

[William Lipton]

Before going on with your all too predictable rant, consider the definition
of "ALARA," in 10 CFR 20.1003:

*"ALARA* (acronym for "as low as is reasonably achievable") means
making every reasonable effort to maintain exposures to radiation as far
below
the dose limits in this part as is practical consistent with the purpose for

which the licensed activity is undertaken, taking into account the state of
technology, the economics of improvements in relation to state of
technology,
the economics of improvements in relation to benefits to the public health
and
safety, and other societal and socioeconomic considerations, and in relation
to
utilization of nuclear energy and licensed materials in the public
interest."

Note the terms, "practical consistent with the purpose...," "taking into
account ... the economics of improvements...," and "in relation to
utilization of nuclear energy and licensed materials in the public
interest."

This is NOT, as you put it:  "... no matter how low the level of
exposure, it could  always be made yet lower by expending more and more
resources toward that end."

If you feel there is a case where ALARA is being misinterpreted, point that
out, not some far fetched hypothetical case.

Bill Lipton
It's not about dose, it's about trust.






On Wed, Mar 2, 2011 at 3:25 PM, Jerry Cohen <jjc105 at yahoo.com> wrote:

> Michael,
> It is interesting that in your article, you conjectured on a possible
> future
> policy of "as low as unreasonably achievable" (ALAURA). It should be noted
> that
> a precursor to the current ALARA policy was ALAP (as low as possible). ALAP
> was
> superseded by ALARA  because of an awareness that no matter how low the
> level of
> exposure, it could  always be made yet lower by expending more and more
> resources toward that end.
>      The "preisthood" (ICRP, etc) who advise such policies are composed of
> experts on radiation effects. They are not stupid people; so why do they
> propose
> policies that many of us consider ill advised? It may stem from a genuine
> concern for human well-being---or--- could it possibly be from enlightened
> self-interest? It is hard to get funding to protect people against anything
> that
> is not harmful.
>
> Jerry Cohen
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: "Stabin, Michael" <michael.g.stabin at Vanderbilt.Edu>
> To: "radsafe at agni.phys.iit.edu" <radsafe at agni.phys.iit.edu>
> Sent: Wed, March 2, 2011 10:44:00 AM
> Subject: [ RadSafe ] Health Physics News March 2011
>
>
> Ann, thanks very much for your kind comment. If you don't get the
> newsletter, I
> have posted a copy of this article (with permission) on the RADAR site:
>
> http://www.doseinfo-radar.com/Roentgen.html
>
>
> Mike
>
> Michael G. Stabin, PhD, CHP
> Associate Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences
> Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences
> Vanderbilt University
> 1161 21st Avenue South
> Nashville, TN 37232-2675
> Phone (615) 343-4628
> Fax   (615) 322-3764
> e-mail     michael.g.stabin at vanderbilt.edu
> internet   www.doseinfo-radar.com
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2011 08:21:50 -0600
> From: Ann Troxler <Ann.Troxler at LA.GOV>
> Subject: [ RadSafe ] Health Physics News March 2011
>
> Anyone who has not yet read the article by Michael Stabin and Jeffrey
> Siegel in
> the March issue is in for a treat.  They treat the current "proposal" to
> climb
> on to the IAEA bandwagon for dose reduction with humor, intelligence and
> courage.   A must read.
>
>
>
> Ann M. Troxler,  BS, MEd
> Environmental Scientist Senior
> Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
> Office of Environmental Compliance
> 602 N Fifth Street
> Baton Rouge, La. 70802
> 225-219-3991 W
> 225-219-3154 Fax
>
>
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