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ALARA - What is it Worth?



gwkindred@centerior.com

ALARA is not a concept.  A concept is an abstract notion 
(according to Webster).  Referring to ALARA as a "concept"
reduces the importance of the acronym.  ALARA is the law!
At least for those folks under the auspices of the Code of
Federal Regulations.  Specifically, 10CFR20.1101.b; where
it reads; The licensee shall use, to the extent practicable, 
procedures and engineering controls based upon sound 
radiation protection principles to achieve occupatinal doses 
and doses to members of the public that are as low as is 
reasonably achievable (ALARA).  

In my opinion disagreements and/or confusion is with the 
real meaning of R.  What is reasonable!  What is the real
monetary value that can be reasonably associated with the
cost that a company is willing to spend to avoid a preson-rem
of radiation dose?  ALARA does not mean avoiding all
radiation exposure.  What is the value placed on a person-rem
based on?  Please share your thoughts.

Gerry W. Kindred
Perry Nuclear Power Plant
Perry, Ohio     USA