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what is news and what is not



Tim,



I do understand your point. Our disagreement centers around what is news. Your 

opinion is that unless there is something to be gained, or some action to be taken, 

then the information is not newsworthy. I obviously disagree.



In this case, there is much to be learned. This incident is no different than similar 

incidents in medical facilities, nuclear power plants, etc. Loss of Control where a High 

or VERY High Radiation Area can occur. In this instance, what can be assessed 

using root cause analysis:



1. Inadequate communication. Workers unaware that there was an installation or 

maintenance taking place.



2. Victim unaware that medical irradiation activities were taking place.



3. Areas accessible where extremely high doses could be received without 

knowledge of the facility management.



4. Inadequate procedures. Nothing in place to secure an area prior to irradiation.



5. Lack of visual or audible alarms in areas where access was possible.



I could go on. Anyway, I've seen your comments, as have others, and, we'll just have 

to disagree what is news and what is not. In conclusion, the more we are aware of 

what is being told to the public, via written media, TV or radio, the better prepared we 

are to deal with it. The worse thing that can happen is for the public to raise a 

question or issue, and we professionals can only shrug our shoulders, demonstrating 

lack of knowledge, and more often than not, a perception that anything that happens 

in our field can't be bad, where there are no consequences. This is foolhardy at best. 

We need to be prepared to deal with issue, real, or perceived to be real.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sandy Perle				Tel:(714) 545-0100 / (800) 548-5100   

Director, Technical			Extension 2306

ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Service	Fax:(714) 668-3149 	           

ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.		E-Mail: sandyfl@earthlink.net

ICN Plaza, 3300 Hyland Avenue  	E-Mail: sperle@icnpharm.com   

Costa Mesa, CA 92626                    



Personal Website: http://sandy-travels.com

ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Website: http://www.dosimetry.com





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