NUCLEAR NEUROTICS

[Randall_F_Brich@RL.gov]

     RADSAFERS:
     
     I am hoping someone can direct me to a technical review/rebuttal of 
     John Gofman's 1981 book entitled, "Radiation and Human Health." His 
     book was referenced as discussed below: 
     
     Using Public Participation Grant funds provided by the Washington 
     State Department of Ecology the Columbia River United (CRU) produced, 
     printed, and distributed a brochure titled, "Hanford and the River." 
     On p. 11 of the brochure, CRU states:
     
     "Dr. John Gofman, author of many books on low level radiation and 
     cancer, believes there is no dose of radiation below which the risk of 
     cancer does not exist, and that the same dose given over a longer 
     period of time will produce a greater cancer risk than if  given over 
     a short period (See Radiation and Human Health.  Gofman, John D., 
     1981).  
     
     People living in the areas surrounding Hanford or who used the 
     Columbia River downstream from the nuclear facility may have received 
     doses of radiation that either caused health problems or could cause 
     them in the future.  Major releases of Iodine 131 to the air from 
     Hanford are believed to be the biggest health threat (725,000 between 
     1944 and 1957) and are the focus of a government study on thyroid 
     disease related to Hanford. CRU believes the problem with the 
     government's methodology is that it fails to look at the combined 
     effects of all radionuclides and chemicals released.  This 
     "synergistic effect" could be much greater than any one isolated 
     radionuclide or chemical.  In addition to cancers and thyroid disease, 
     releases from Hanford may have caused immune and autoimmune disorders, 
     arthritis, sudden infant death syndrome, birth defects, anemia, 
     endometriosis, and genetic defects."   
                              
     As others may also benefit from any ensuing discussion, please respond 
     to directly to this list server.
     
     Thank you,
     
     Randy Brich
     USDOE
     Richland, WA
     e-mail: randall_f_brich@rl.gov
     "The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be 
     taken seriously." Hubert Humphrey