RE: "Anti-Nukes"

[Tye Morancy <tye_morancy@yahoo.com>]

Andrew,

    The only thing I would add to your statement to this gentleman is
that, if "radiation kills", as so elquently put, we should all throw
out our ovens, microwaves, smoke detectors, TVs, lights, etc. and get
rid of that annoying sunlight.  All pesky sorts of radiation with
lethal means under his definition.  I am being sarcastic of course,
but, as you put, we can never live in a radiation-free world.  It's
just not possible...

    We are here to educate and inform, but yet are identified as "big
business" and given other negative labels that we have all probably
heard.  I would ask our friend if he has ever had dental x-rays or
had a broken bone.  I venture the answers would be interesting to say
the least.  

    I think I speak for most of us, just as Andrew pointed out in his
well phrased statement, that we need to filter junk like this out,
because it's inappropriate at the very least and is not in line with
the discussion which should be had here.  Admitedly we shoudln't
ignore viewpoints, because in our line of work we must first listen
and then educate.  A big HOWEVER, comes when an individual is
destructive in their statement and has an underlying agenda.  In that
case, it should be had in another forum for such statements and
discussion, clearly not this one.  I admit I stepped back before
replying, knowing that responses are being clearly antagonized and
sought by this statement...but felt the need to throw out an
observation...

 
--- "Karam, Andrew" <Andrew_Karam@URMC.Rochester.edu> wrote:
> 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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=====
Tye Morancy
Dunbar Radiation Laboratory
Radiation Protection Office
Harvard Environmental Health & Safety
Cambridge, MA

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