Re: Definition of Health Physics

[Slaback@micf.nist.gov]

To paraphrase the Prospectus of the HPS 
(back of membership handbook) ....
HP is the development, dissemination,
and application of both the scientific
knowledge of, and the practical means 
for, radiation protection.  The objective
of the profession is the protection of people
and the environment from unnecessary
exposure to radiation. Health Physics is
concerned with understanding, evaluating,
and controlling the risks from radiation
exposure relative to the benefits derived.

Curiously, the handbook does not define
the the scope of the field in terms
analgous to other scientific disciplines.


A little risk adds spice to life.
slaback@MICF.NIST.gov