[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
RE: Harmless?
>The language suggested by NIH is the same weasel wording that totally
confuses the public in my experience. The public has no conception of
what "minimal" or "acceptable" means in this context.
What was nice about this language is that the NIH worked for about 18
months with a broad spectrum of individuals to get language that is
technically accurate, but able to be understood even by people with
limited educational background. Everyone can relate to the number of
months of simple existence; some do not relate, for example, to trips in
airplanes, smoking, hang gliding, or other risk-related analogies.
>Why is it that we cannot say "Low doses are safe," in the general sense
of the word and let it go at that....There are many in the health
physics, medical profession, ethicists and others who agree that low
doses are safe and harmless. Why can't we say so?
Ummm, because it is contradicted by a large body of reliable scientific
evidence? Yes, there are "many" who believe what you state. There are
"many" who, quite honestly, believe that low levels may be associated
with some small, but finite risks. Both positions can selectively cite
the literature that they wish to push their point of view, but the issue
is far from settled. Representing it otherwise is scientifically
unjustified and ethically (not to mention legally) on shaky ground.
Mike
Michael G. Stabin, PhD, CHP
Assistant Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences
Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences
Vanderbilt University
1161 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37232-2675
Phone (615) 343-0068
Fax (615) 322-3764
Pager (615) 835-5153
e-mail michael.g.stabin@vanderbilt.edu
internet www.doseinfo-radar.com
************************************************************************
You are currently subscribed to the Radsafe mailing list. To
unsubscribe, send an e-mail to Majordomo@list.vanderbilt.edu Put the
text "unsubscribe radsafe" (no quote marks) in the body of the e-mail,
with no subject line. You can view the Radsafe archives at
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/radsafe/