Re: Exposure Benefits

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

On Wed, 9 Apr 1997, William G. Nabor wrote:

> There was a recent RADSAFE posting by Dr. Roy Parker on a new X-ray
> inspection tool that could be used to frisk members of the general public.
> It would give each person so "frisked" 3 microREM exposure.  I assume that
> this is not a joke and that such a device is really in the works.  Amazing.
> 
> Dr. Parker then went on to state that there was a prevaling ethical code
> that people should not be exposed to ionizing radiation without medical
> benefit.  I disagree.  I have been allowing myself to be exposed to ionizing
> radiation for 23 years without any medical benefit.  Most members of RADSAFE
> have been doing this also.  I do it for money.  I get paid by my employer,
> who limits my exposure according to regulations to some small amount, but
> MUCH greater than 3 microREM and pays me cash on the first of every month.
> While I may argue that the amount of the cash is smaller than I would like,
> I accept the exposure because, small though the amount is, the money paid
> IS a tangible benefit.  It is NOT, however, a MEDICAL benefit.
> 
> Thus, by analogy, we admit that people may be exposed to regulated amounts
> of ionizing radiation for benefits other than medical ones.  For example,
> freedom from being blown up in mid air.  I am willing to be exposed to 3
> microREM for that benefit.
> 
> The question will be this:  Is everybody so willing?  Time will tell.
> **********************************************************************
> William G. Nabor
> University of California, Irvine
> EH&S Office
> Irvine, CA,  92697-2725
> WGNABOR@UCI.EDU
> **********************************************************************
> 

I second the benefit of the freedom from being blown up in mid air for
3uREM!


T. Welty