Re: More on "informed dialogue"

[Chris Davey <chris.davey@cancerboard.ab.ca>]

I think Mark's point was that the NRC _has_ been educating the public
by the way they handle incidents, etc.  Of course, the messages given
do not reflect the true nature of radiation risk, but play up, or
exaggerate, the dangers.

In the new Act which replaces the Atomic Energy Control Act here in
Canada, it states (in section 9, Objects of the Canadian Nuclear
Safety Commission):
"The (second of two) objects of the Commission are (is)
(b) to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory
information to the public concerning ...   ... the effects, on the
environment and on the health and safety of persons, of the
development, production, possession and use [of nuclear energy /
nuclear substances, etc.]"

I won't comment on whether the Atomic Energy Control Board is
currently doing this (just look at the talks given by the AECB
President, as listed on the AECB website
http://www.aecb-ccea.gc.ca/menu_e.htm), and whether or how, the AECB,
when it is morphed into the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission,
would/will actually achieve this, but perhaps there are similar words
in the NRC's governing documents.  Certainly I cannot see how a
regulatory body can avoid educating the public, whether by implication
(maintaining silence, or over-reacting to small incidents) or
deliberately, by the production of leaflets, books, magazine articles,
educational videos, school programs, etc.

In this age of computers, and near-instant data transfer world-wide,
let's hope communication will really occur.

Regards,

Chris Davey

Sandy Perle wrote:
> I have to categorically disagree with Mark's assertion that is
> incumbent upon the NRC to educate the public regarding the risks of
> radiation exposure, perceived or real. This is not their function,
> nor should it be.(snip).
> Sandy Perle  
> ************************************************************************

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