Re: dose limits for members of the public

["Jerry Cohen" <jjcohen@PRODIGY.NET>]

Sandy,

    You seem surprised that anyone might view 1.0 rem/a as an appropriate

dose limit for general population. Those of us who believe in hormesis (a

small but steadfast minority) hold that there is likely to be an optimal

dose level at which people will derive  the maximum benefit ( and least

detriment) from radiation exposure.

    Perhaps you may recall some previous discussions on radsafe regarding

possible methods of supplying supplementary radiation to those living in

radiation deficient areas. I suppose it seemed like a joke to many but I,

for one, seriously think that at some future time, the hormesis concept will

become generally accepted and we will be thinking in terms of optimal dose

levels. Unfortunately, that time will not arrive until LNT, ALARA, etc

becomes  unprofitable for its proponents, and that will likely be a long

time from now.

    However, when that time comes, the idea of dose limits will become

outmoded and research will be directed toward determination of what

constitutes optimal dose level (ODL). Some thoughts (conjectures) on the

subject: [1] ODL will likely vary between individuals and/or population

groups,[2] it will be recognized that DNA aberration is not the only

biological effect of radiation and that there are a multiplicity of effects

to various organs and tissues; some beneficial, some detrimental in nature,

[3] the net effect (i.e. sum of all effects) will be dependent upon dose

level, age,  and the state of the recipient's health, [4] I believe that for

most persons the ODL would be somewhere greater than 1.0 rem/a and less than

10.0 rem/a (well above current background levels).

    Anyone else have any thoughts on the ODL concept, pro or con?















----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Perle <sandyfl@EARTHLINK.NET>

To: <radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu>

Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 7:42 AM

Subject: RE: dose limits for members of the public





> > I voted for 1000 mrem per year

>

> Jack,

>

> You seriously believe that members of the general public should be allowed

to

> receive 1 rem/year above background and any dose from medical procedures?

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> 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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