Re: intentional misuse - proposed "cures"

["Sandy Perle" <sandyfl@earthlink.net>]

Andy,

Excellent comments. However, when a facility decides to perform 
research that involves radioactive materials, then they have entered 
into an agreement to provide for a safe and secure workplace. We all 
know the stigma that is associated with the words radioactive, 
nuclear and radiation. These stigmas are part of the game. While I 
agree with much of what you stated, you didn't provide any solutions. 
The fact that the amount of material is small is not the point. The 
fact that the individuals are not adversely affected is also not the 
point. The point is that material is being misused, and while 
difficult to rectify, one can not simply throw up one's hands and say 
that we can't do anything.

If research dollars are the lifeblood of the facility, and it is 
important to retain researchers with excellent reputations, then it 
is essential that the license do something to minimize these 
programs. Can't do research if your license is terminated.

Very few instances of problems in a nuclear power plant, yet the NRC 
required initial screening of all workers years ago. I don't see why 
a test can't be given to potential students. Nobody has answered why 
almost all students involved in these intentional misuse cases are 
Chinese students. All I am saying is that somebody better look into 
the root causes and identify some potential countermeasures. I have 
to agree with Bill when he says that if the licensees don't, the 
regulators will, as they should!

Sticking the head in the sand thinking that this will go away is 
foolish. What happens in our nuclear world affects all of us,whether 
we are power reactor, university, industrial or medical HPs. What 
happens in your facility will affect me, and so forth. The public 
will not stand for this and we can't blame them.

How many university reactors have been shut down because of public 
pressure? Ask Georgia Tech .. ask others.

Regards,

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sandy Perle					Tel:(714) 545-0100 / (800) 548-5100   				    	
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