Re: X-ray Scanning For Theft Detection

["Norman Randy" <rnorman@smtplink.microbio.com>]

I couldn't agree more fully with the requirements of ICRP60 and the opinions 
expressed by Mr. Williamson. While I can appreciate the serious security 
concerns of the diamond mining industry, I have to agree that methods that 
involve exposure to ionizing radiation are not acceptable. While they may not 
be as direct, there MUST be other effective ways of preventing diamond theft 
(i.e., by aggressively punishing illicit trade).

Randy Norman
Safety Manager, RSO, BSO, CHO, etc.
MA BioServices, Inc.
Rockville, MD
rnorman@microbio.com

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: X-ray Scanning For Theft Detection
Author:  radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu at INTERNET
Date:    9/30/97 8:39 AM


Before this thread gets much further we should have the basics clear.
     
The wording of ICRP60  leads me to conclude that they are firmly against 
anti-theft X-ray devices (as opposed to the possibility of anti-terrorist 
security X-ray detection).  Where I'm getting this from is clause 112(a) of 
ICRP 60:
     
*No practice involving exposures to radiation should be adopted unless it 
produces sufficient benefit to the exposed individuals or to society to 
offset the radiation detriment it causes*
     
The benefit referred to is a tangible benefit to an individual or society 
as whole, not the benefit of increased profits to a private firm, and 
definitely not the "benefit" to an employee of not being fired for theft.
     
If the proposal was for an anti-terrorism detection device  where some 
minor radiation exposure was involved, there might be a case - but it's 
hard to see how one could be made out for the anti-theft system (given the 
ICRP's injunction).
     
Michael Williamson
(m.williamson@mailbox.uq.edu.au )
     
Radiation Protection Adviser
     
Occupational Health & Safety Unit
University of Queensland
Brisbane 4072
Australia
     
ph +61 7 3365 4504
fax +61 7 3365 1577
     
The opinions expressed in this communication are those of the writer: 
unless explicitly stated they should not be taken as representing the 
official policies or views of the University of Queensland.