Re: We are killing nuclear workers!

[Jim Muckerheide <jmuckerheide@delphi.com>]

An exemplary list!  But:  How do we justify ANY rad exposure, or ever defend a
lawsuit, for any nuclear/radiation activity, when worker lifetime doses below
1 year avg. background (US) are said by DOE to cause cancer.

What effect on rad technologies when this takes hold (2-5 years?)  Like nuke
plants, etc., added any cost/profit to be stuck to customers til the "system"
balked, and we end up with high-cost dinosaur designs and limited ability to
engineer for cost-effectiveness.

Anybody care?  Competition is working to displace rad technologies because of
the threat. Some companies will do well by diversifying, while nukes and hp's
are on the street. 

Regards, Jim
============

JHageman@swri.edu wrote:
> 
> Are all the possible responses from the "nuclear industry/health physics
> community," regarding providing adequate radiation protection:
> 
> (A) I was only doing what I was told to do (i.e., following Govt.
> Regulations).
> (B) They were protected, but Clinton lied (But, he claims he never has lied
> before).
> (C) The mixture of science and politics of the situation are beyond human.
> comprehension (I throw my hands up in the air).
> (D)  It wasn't my fault, I wasn't there (I wash my hands).
> (E) Monetary payment compensates for death and illness (isn't that, what
> Clinton is saying).
> (F) Don't rock the boat, keep quiet, this too shall pass.
> (G) The good of the many outweigh the good of the few. (to quote Spock).
> (H) All of the above.
> (I) None of the above.
> 
> Just my opinion, alone. John P. Hageman, CHP, RSO
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Original Message - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> What is the nuclear industry/health physics community response to this as a
> failure of "radiation protection," killing (past and future) nuclear workers
> that we told were protected?
> 
> Regards, Jim
> muckerheide@mediaone.net
> ========================
> 
> EXECUTIVE ORDER FINALIZES PROMISE TO NUCLEAR VETERANS
> 
>  WASHINGTON, DC, December 11, 2000 (ENS) - President Bill Clinton has issued
> an executive order outlining the framework for compensating thousands of
> current and former nuclear weapons plant workers, or their survivors, whose
> service to the country has left them sick or dying. "This is one of the most
> meaningful new federal programs in decades, impacting the lives of thousands
> of Americans," said Energy Secretary Bill Richardson. "President Clinton's
> executive order ensures that the compensation program will remain on course
> for years to come and that all weapons plant workers - past, present and
> future - can rely on their government to do the right thing, even after the
> sites where they worked have closed."
> 
>  The order begins implementing the Energy Employees Occupational Illness
> Compensation Program Act of 2000, which was enacted in October as part of the
> National Defense Authorization Act. The Act provides for compensation of
> Energy Department workers, or their survivors, who have occupational illnesses
> from exposure to the hazards associated with building nuclear weapons. The
> order establishes a Worker Assistance Program within the Energy Department
> that will help workers with occupational illnesses apply for benefits under
> state compensation programs. An interagency working group will develop a
> legislative proposal and address program implementation. "These individuals,
> many of whom were neither protected from nor informed of the hazards to which
> they were exposed, developed occupational illnesses as a result of their
> exposure to radiation and other hazards unique to nuclear weapons production
> and testing," said Clinton. "While the nation can never fully repay these
> workers or their families, they deserve fair compensation for their
> sacrifices. I am pleased to take the next critical step in ensuring that these
> courageous individuals receive the compensation and recognition they have long
> deserved."
>                              * * *
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> - - - - - - - - - - - - End of Original Message - - - - - - - - - - - -
> 
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