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Re: MIT/Quaker

> Informed consent or not, when there is no damage-there is no damage-period!

The above should not be used to condone an act. The fact that there 
was no damage happens to be the result. That is not always a given. 
In this, it could have been any type of research, not necessarily 
nuclear related. Suppose we were being fed tainted meat, just to see 
what effect there would be. Suppose we were not informed, and, there 
was no discernible damage done. Does that make it OK? Does it mean 
that the researchers should be commended for not injuring us? I think 
not.

In the MIT case, the research was done at a school for mentally 
retarded children. In the 40's and 50's the rules concerning informed 
consent were not up to the levels we see today. That I can accept. I 
also agree completely with those that question why radiation research 
is scrutinized on this issue more than other types of research. It's 
the beast. We can't change that.

With all this said, what I continue to find unsatisfactory is the 
response that no damage was done, every time an incident such as this 
happens. I understand the risks, and understand that there was no 
damage, and this STILL annoys me to hear these conclusions ... that 
there was no damage. What do you think the general public thinks? 
They see scenarios played over and over again, and the only comments 
they see are "well, there was no damage." It's time we address the 
issues and stay away from interpretations. Remember, for every one of 
us who says there is NO damage, there will be another group of just 
as qualified scientists stating the exact opposite.. that damage was 
evident ...  We all come out looking foolish!
------------------
Sandy Perle
Technical Director
ICN Dosimetry Division
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Office: (800) 548-5100 x2306 
Fax:    (714) 668-3149
  
sandyfl@ix.netcom.com
sperle@icnpharm.com

Personal Homepage:
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/1205

ICN Dosimetry Website:
http://www.dosimetry.com


"The object of opening the mind, as of opening 
the mouth, is to close it again on something solid"
              - G. K. Chesterton -