Response to Bob Flood-HPS posn paper

["T. Welty" <tjw@engr.engr.uark.edu>]

Mr. Flood's points are well-taken in reference to the HPS position 
paper.  To those who have no knowledge of the technical aspects of 
radiation protection programs, there will some who accept the judgement 
of those who set those regulations because "they're the experts".  There 
will be some who don't pay any attention at all.  To be sure, there will 
also be many who will view the process of altering the current 
regulations by "the experts" as a clandestine gathering of "allegedly 
qualified" individuals who may not take cost versus protection as 
prudently as necessary, much the same way as many view the 
law-making process of the U. S. Congress.

It is the last group which, if enlightened by such programs as the Public 
Education Program of the American Nuclear Society, could help the 
acceptance of the rule-upgrading process, the use of nuclear materials in 
the medical community, and the nuclear power generation industry in 
general. 

We must take steps to let the public in on the nuclear world.  The 
concept of benefit versus acceptable risk is as key for the nuclear 
industry as it is for any industry that deals with materials which are 
dangerous if used improperly.  The risk of the use of radioactive materials 
can be very aptly compared to the risks involved in any industry, and 
this idea would make a great opening statement in a seminar or other 
public presentation.