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Re: radiation is radiation? lochbaum



> And guys and gals, I have to confess as well that, despite all of your best
> intentions and explanations, I still don't get it either.

The issue isn't a rem = rem, rather that the specific energy of a 
specific decay product, be it a low or high energy photon, beta 
particle, alpha or neutron, is the same, regardless of its origin. In 
other words, if you have a naturally recurring isotope that has a 140 
keV x-ray, and, you have a power reactor release an effluent that has 
a 140 keV x-ray, they are one and the same. There is no difference. 
Perhaps David Lochbaum's reply was based on a misunderstanding as to 
what the question was, and what the responses were.

In the end, a gamma, x-ray, beta, neutron or alpha release or 
exposure, for the same energies, are equivalent. There is no 
misunderstanding regarding this.

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