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RE: respiratory tract dose
If quick and dirty calculations and models were not available (as has
already been devised via the MIRD method if I am not mistaken) then I would
think that there would be very few CHP's that could do their job at all. All
CHP's would then need to be Monte Carlo experts (e.g., using MCNP) with a
very good model for describing the geometry and attenuation properties of
human-tissue. Such codes already exist in validated form and are used by
consultants and other experts (including some CHP's). Please note that such
extensive modeling knowledge generally falls outside the scope and
competence of most CHP's.
Perhaps the individual in question should consult the book "Radiological
Assessment" by Shultis and Faw. I do not have a copy at this time but I
think that the MIRD method is discussed therein in a format that is very
accessible to the average "smart fellow".
Best regards and good luck,
Grant
-----Original Message-----
From: Vincent King [mailto:slavak@attbi.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2003 1:52 PM
To: radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu
Subject: Re: respiratory tract dose
Radsafers,
I think the point has been that performing internal dose calculations are
more complicated than grabbing a quick reference or formula and popping out
the right answer, not that people don't want to help. Internal dosimetry is
an entire specialty of health physics. People who have the required "skills
and knowledge" understand this, and some have been tactfully (or not so
tactfully) trying to express this.
Since the original question mentioned licensing, I have to assume that NRC
or Agreement State oversight is somehow involved. This implies that an
acceptable approach - from the regulators point of view - is necessary (not
to mention that if this "estimate" is done incorrectly, there could be legal
ramifications down the road for whatever facility/company is involved).
I commend Mr. Creeds efforts to attempt to address his issue, and I'm not
knocking the exchange of available technical information via Radsafe. But
assuming a non-HP can be taught to perform internal dosimetry calculations
with a quick Radsafe answer crosses the line. I'm an EMT, but if I had a
family member who required surgery, I wouldn't log in to a medical list
server to try to get tips on how to do it myself. In fact, if I'm ethical,
my limited medical training would compel me to seek a qualified specialist.
Not knowing the details of Mr. Creed's situation, I won't speculate on how
rigorous his answer needs to be - that's his call.
I also agree that any rudeness toward him is completely unwarranted (and,
for Health Physics Society members, also stands in contrast to the HPS
ethic: "Members will gladly accept every opportunity to increase public
understanding of radiation protection and the objectives of the Society").
But I find myself in the position of having to agree with Bill Lipton's
point that too many "meter swingers" think they can answer any health
physics question, regardless of their areas and levels of competence.
Vincent King,
Grand Junction, CO
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mercado, Don" <don.mercado@lmco.com>
To: "'William V Lipton'" <liptonw@DTEENERGY.COM>; "Kevin Creed"
<creed@humboldt.edu>
Cc: <radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu>; "Luke George" <tlg2@humboldt.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2003 9:38 AM
Subject: RE: respiratory tract dose
He wasn't
> asking you to do the work for him, just supply the formulas and references
> to him and he'd do the work! Are you so unsure of your own skills and
> knowledge that you can't even do that????
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