RE: We are killing nuclear workers!

["Edwards, Richard W" <Richard.Edwards@PSS.Boeing.com>]

I usually stay out of these discussions, but there are elements in recent comments on this topic that I think need countering. These are the application of current values to past situations and our concern over employment.

The use of radiation (or any technology, process or concept) is only justified if there is a net societal benefit. This net benefit is a moving target. It changes as alternatives with which to compare it changes. It changes as the society changes the relative values it places on dissimilar things (such as security versus access to information). 

Obviously, a problem arises in trying to balance dissimilar costs and benefits such as dollars and health. To address this, we, as a society, attempt to discern a scale of relative values between dissimilar things. However, expecting 21st century values to have been applied to mid-20th century decisions is very human, but ridiculous. It is equally ridiculous not to acknowledge that values have changed and adhere to behavior that was acceptable half a century ago. 

We have taken as a career, the job of improving the net benefit to society from the use of radiation. As such, we may find ourselves in the position of making decisions that are to the benefit to society and to the detriment of ourselves as individuals and as groups. If we want our opinions, individually and collectively, to be valued as being for the good of society, we need to express ourselves just as strongly when we pay a personal penalty as we stand to accrue a personal gain. If a practice or a technology comes along that permits us to eliminate the use of radiation we should be at the forefront of demanding its application or its improvement so it can be applied. Then maybe people will listen when we point out the flaws of some other attack on the use of radiation.



These statements and opinions are personal and are in no way indicative of those of my employer. I can neither confirm nor deny my employer's approval or disapproval of them. I didn't ask. They didn't tell.


Rick Edwards, Analyst
The Boeing Company
richard.w.edwards@boeing.com

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