Re: LNT and resources [Was: Scientific responsibility]

[BLHamrick@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 6/20/2003 7:59:46 AM Pacific Standard Time, 

liptonw@DTEENERGY.COM writes:



> It is a myth that nonradiological hazards have lower safety standards than

> radiation.



I disagree with this, based on the fact that first order control (i.e., 

licensure for manufacture and distribution), and ultimate detection of radioactive 

materials is so much more effective than for nonradiological hazards.



In California (and many other states) many landfills, scrapyards, medical 

waste processors, and waste transfer stations have installed radiation monitors, 

which can detect microcurie (or less) quantities of medical isotopes.  On the 

other hand, for the control of nonradiological hazards, these facilities rely 

primarily on visual identification of labeled containers, or other visual 

clues, rather than any sophisticated detection system.  Thus, radioactive 

materials, in these venues are controlled far more stringently, not because they pose 

a greater hazard, but because they are so much easier to identify.



Barbara