Re: A radiation unit for the public -Reply

[Mark Hanlon <MarkH@nch.edu.au>]

I have received the response (from individuals) which Carol predicted,
and in connection with some really quite trivial exposures. 

I like the idea of the BERT, but I perceive the nedd for a supplementary
expression of "risk", which might compare radiation exposure to an
"optional" hazard.  Smoking is one such example, though it might have too
great a difference in magnitude.    Some of Professor Cohen's examples
are also quite good.

I believe that the perception of risk is greater when one has the option of
avoiding the hazard, and that this is what needs to be addressed in
making comparisons for the general public. 


Mark Hanlon,
Radiation Safety Officer,
The New Children's Hospital,
P.O. Box 3515,
PARRAMATTA, NSW, 2124
Australia

Phone   61 2 9845 3324             FAX  61 2 9845 0831

email   markh@nch.edu.au