Re: dose from airborne emissions

["Conklin, Al" <awc0303@hub.doh.wa.gov>]

This conversation seems to be an ever downward spiral, so after this 
note, I'll not address the issue any longer. I wish I had taken a private 
poll on the responses I received on my personal E-Mail on this topic. 
Based on the many notes I received, its apparent why the health physics 
community has so much trouble communicating with the public. Most were 
polite. Some were downright nasty. Although most of the notes I received 
fully understood what I was talking about, others didn't have a clue 
about the Clean Air Act, its following regulations or about public 
concerns. Most of the public is  afraid of radiation, not because of the 
standards and regs that I enforce, but for the reason I mentioned in my 
earlier notes. Its due to the industry. Thats why regs are so tight, like 
or not.
 The answers to most of Al Tschaeches' questions are found in 40 CFR 61 
and 40 CFR 70. I'm not sure how to respond to the rest. Why should we 
spend money on such things? Because the public demands to be shown 
they're protected. As simple as that. Simply telling people that they are 
not harmed by low doses, so we shouldn't have to do anything is naive. 
The public demands more, whether they are right or wrong (and I admit 
they're wrong, but that doesn't change what I have to do for them.)
The measurable benefit may not be actual improved public health due to 
radiation exposure, but it does improve public confidence, ease public 
fears (reasonable or not), does improve the real estate market around 
some facilities (I can only speak about Hanford, but its a fact, based on 
the calls from realtors I get.). Is that worth the expense?. According to 
some of you, its a resounding "NO". According the public I have to 
represent, and who I deal with on a daily basis, its a resounding "YES". 
I'll not respond to any more notes, so we can get on to more productive 
discussions. 

Allen W. Conklin
Head, Air Emissions & Defense Waste
Division of Radiation Protection
Department of Health
P.O. Box 47827
Olympia, WA  98504
Work - (360) 586-0254
Fax    - (360) 753-1496
Internet :  awc0303@hub.doh.wa.gov