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Re: Harmless?

Once again I think there is a semantic trap here. As far as I know there is

no scientific definition of the word safe-but by default many in the

radiation protection field seem to equate it with zero risk. A small but

finite risk in most activities is considered safe.

Bill



"Stabin, Michael" wrote:



> >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

>

>

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