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Dose vs Regs cont'd




So, what numerical value for annual dose would the "safety margin" be?
There is no evidence that 5 rem per year hurts anyone. There is evidence
that low doses above background are beneficial. Epidemiology can never
provide the answers. I continue to believe that we should set the limit,
work to it, do ALARA above it, and study those who actually get about
the limit each year. If we don't see any effects, continue to use the
limit. It is only after we have convincing evidence that 5 rem per year
is, in fact, harmful that we should lower the limit. I, personally,
would be willing to receive 5 rem per year for my lifetime with no
qualms. Actually, I did that for the first 10 years of my professional
life. I see no ill effects. Al Tschaeche.

*** Reply to note of 11/28/95 18:01
To: RADSAFE --INELMAIL RADSAFE

Subject: Dose vs Regs cont'd
The analogy drawn by Don Jordan, to the safe speed limit, really hits the
nail on the head.

An important point, though, is that many people have quite a good
perception of the magnitude of increase in risk at speeds above zero. This
is not the case for radiation risks.

I believe that a decision to increase personal occupational risk of exposure
to radiation (and, possibly medical as well) needs to be made on an
individual basis, with the individual haveing the knowledge and capacity to
make an informed decision. Because this is impractical, legislators must
adopt an arbitrary "safe limit" to protect an occupational user who cannot
make an informed decision.

Logically, the level at which this "safe limit" is set must be consistent with
the technological data available at the time, and obviously must be above
zero. It is also sensible, I think, to add a small margin for safety .

Where epidemiology cannot yet provide the answers, as in the case low
level radiation, the safety margin becomes the limit.


Mark Hanlon
Radiation Safety Officer,
The New Children's Hospital,
P.O. Box 3515,
PARRAMATTA, NSW, 2124
Australia

markh@mail.kids.usyd.edu.au