Re: LNT Debate -Reply -Reply

[Keith Brown <KDB1@nrc.gov>]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

--Boundary-2016022-0-0

Those health physicists who oppose more realistic dose limits because of
a  perceived decrease in the number of hp positions should try to keep in
mind  that a successful parasite doesn't kill its host.  The primary reason
for the  lack of health physics positions is that a policy of protecting
against  "potential" radiological hazards to a degree undreamed of when
setting  standards for protection against other hazards has made nuclear
technology  either too expensive or politically unacceptable.  There's a
difference  between protecting against "potential" hazards and protecting
against  imaginary hazards, and we seem to be doing the latter.  It just
doesn't make  sense to protect against a hypothetical risk which, even if
real, could never  be detected.  When radiation is considered just one of
the many hazards we all  face in life, then the full benefits of nuclear
technology will begin to be  seen, including the need for health physicists
to assure that we receive these  benefits without any unreasonable risk. 
  "Here's to a risk free world, and other fantasies." 
  Bill Lipton 
  The opinions expressed are solely my own. 
 


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I apologize.  I did not mean to imply that we should base dose limits on job
security.  I just find the juxtaposition of the LNT debate and the separate
debate concerning downsizing in HP areas rather amusing.

I have no argument with changing radiation protection limits to the extent
data or economics or other considerations justify.  That is a policy issue.  I
do object, however, to arguments made in the name of science which are
not scientific.  We all should know "there is not evidence" for a LNT model;
 BIER said as much.  But to imply the lack of evidence in favor of a  model
necessarily negates the model is simply not true; it could simply be that the
evidence is not yet conclusive.  I pointed to the work of Cohen because if
seeks to obtain the necessary data to verify or negate the model.  Whether
the costs associated with use of the LNT model are justified by the benefits
obtained is separate from the debate as to "correctness" of the model.

Keith Brown

The opinions expressed are my own only, not those of my employer.