Re: Linear Hypothesis...

[JMUCKERHEIDE@delphi.com]

Andy correcty states,
 
> The point was NOT that we should run out and invent a cheap, watch-sized
> detector to give to everyone along with their social security number.
> The practical limitations of that are obvious.  Aside from the cost and
> technology issues, who would wear one?  I don't think it would be
> something they'd carry at the Gap.
> 
> The point was that educating the public on radiation risks is nearly
> impossible without something they can relate to everday life experience.
>  Sorry if that didn't come across right.
>                                                         --Andy

Note however that giving "everybody" a $1700 "rad detector watch" wouldn't
waste any more than we are presently wasting :-)  (Let's see, if we get volume 
production, at even $1000, 250million people is only $250billion  :-)   I'm
sure we could get the price down.) 

Thanks.

Regards, Jim Muckerheide
jmuckerheide@delphi.com

>  ----------
> From: Jim Hardeman
> To: Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: RE: Linear Hypothesis IS the Cause of Public Fear of
> Date: Thursday, October 10, 1996 9:35PM
> 
> Geez, you mean that if we spent $1,700+ per man, woman
> and child to purchase everyone one of those "YperWatch"
> radiation detector / watch / corkscrew / etc. deals then we'd
> be able to explain radiation risks to members of the general
> public? Why didn't somebody think of that before? I guess if
> each of us bought ten (10) and gave them away, we'd be a lot
> better off, right? (Tongue firmly implanted in cheek!)
> 
> Jim Hardeman, Manager
> Environmental Radiation Program
> Environmental Protection Division
> Georgia Department of Natural Resources
> 4244 International Parkway, Suite 114
> Atlanta, GA 30354
> (404) 362-2675  fax: (404) 362-2653
> Jim_Hardeman@mail.dnr.state.ga.us
> hardeman@mindspring.com
> 
> >>> Hodgkins, 1LT Andrew T. <HODGKINS@eglin.af.mil>
> What if everyone grew up with a portable count-rate meter on
> their wrist?  They'd have a better idea of the relative risks
> then, would they not?  "Hmm...there's just as many chirps
> here next to this nuclear plant as there are in my living room,
> the grocery store, my doctor's office, and cousin Bubba's
> house.  What's the big deal?"
> 
> The average Joe or Joette just isn't "exposed" (sorry!) to the
> concept of radiation as a part of everyday life, so it's a lot
> harder to comprehend.  If they were, the task of educating the
> public would be a whole lot simpler, IMHO.