RE: "Anti-Nukes"

["Karam, Andrew" <Andrew_Karam@URMC.Rochester.edu>]

Dear Roger,

Unfortunately, your comments are incorrect because radiation is a part of
our natural environment and does not kill us all.  As with so many other
things, it's a matter of dose.  Small amounts of selenium, for example, are
a necessary nutrient while large doses cause birth defects or death.
Similarly, vitamin D, water, and much more are either essential or are at
least safe in low doses.  Radiation falls into this category.  We are
exposed to radiation from the moment of conception until the moment of
death, and it is as natural a part of our environment as air, water, or soil
(all of which, incidentally, contain naturally occurring amounts of
radioactivity).

I believe you are under the mistaken impression that it is possible to live
in a radiation-free world, which is not the case.  It is also erroneous to
believe that there is something magical about man-made radiation because, in
fact, the effects of man-made radiation cannot be distinguished from the
effects of natural radiation.  It's also interesting to note that the
average radiation exposure from man-made sources (even to many radiation
workers) is much less than the normal variation in natural background
radiation in the environment.

Finally, I'd like to ask you to kindly refrain from attacks on other list
members.  This is intended as a way for radiation professionals and others
interested in radiation to exchange information and ideas.  It is NOT a
forum for insulting or attacking others simply because they do not agree
with us.

Respectfully,

Andy

Andrew Karam, CHP              (716) 275-1473 (voice)
Radiation Safety Officer          (716) 275-3781 (office)
University of Rochester           (716) 256-0365 (fax)
601 Elmwood Ave. Box HPH   Rochester, NY  14642

Andrew_Karam@URMC.Rochester.edu
http://Intranet.urmc.rochester.edu/RadiationSafety
-----Original Message-----
From: Roger L. Sawyer [mailto:RSawyer@UH.EDU]

Are you one of those Mendez brothers?  I think you need help as you are a
sick puppy.  Radiation kills.  It's just that simple dude.  Now take your
bleediing heart big business attitude elsewhere.  
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