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RE: Scientific responsibility
On 19 Jun 2003 at 17:44, NIXON, Grant (Kanata) wrote:
> The question is what theory or working hypothesis should we use in its place?
There can not be an answer to this, since the current theory is based
on a negative approach, and one can't prove or disprove a negative,
or lack of evidence. However, I believe that it is reasonable to
evaluate all of the data that we already have regarding radiation
exposure and risk, illness and any detrimental effect one wishes to
assess.
Data exists for probably 1 million radiation workers, in the USA
alone. Throw in the rest of the world where there is credible data
and documentation, and I submit that there is enough data, and
evidentiary documentation, to prove whether or not there is a
deleterious effect from radiation at just above zero dose up to any
dose level that needs to be assessed. The kicker to all of this is
the fact that the potential for cancer is 1:3. One can always attempt
to demonstrate that the cancer is related due to occupational
radiation exposure. However, the 1:3 is also true for all non-
occupationally exposed individuals. There have been studies that
demonstrate that those workers exposed to radiation have a better
mortality than a similar group who are not exposed. However, the anti-
nuclear crowd always tries to answer those statistics with the
healthy worker effect. In my opinion, if the data demonstrates better
health, less illness, why can't that just be accepted?
Based on the data that is out there, and if this weren't simply a
political issue, and not a scientific issue, as I believe it should
be, the threshold for monitoring, for ALARA activities, for taking
all kinds of ridiculous actions, can be relieved, to some degree. DE
Minimis would have helped, BRC would have helped. Politics stopped
it.
-------------------------------------------------
Sandy Perle
Director, Technical
ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Service
ICN Plaza, 3300 Hyland Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel:(714) 545-0100 / (800) 548-5100 Extension 2306
Fax:(714) 668-3149
E-Mail: sandyfl@earthlink.net
E-Mail: sperle@icnpharm.com
Personal Website: http://sandy-travels.com/
ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Website: http://www.dosimetry.com/
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