Re: Dose Correlation

[Christoph_Hofmeyr/CNS1@cns.co.za]

Dear Radsafers,
I have read most of the contributions to the "Dose Correlation" discussion.
What I find fascinating is how incredibly efficient ionising radiation is
in disorganising the mechanisms on which higher life forms depend.  If one
considers the LD-50 acute whole body exposure of a few Gray, the heat
equivalent is only sufficient to raise the temperature of the body by about
one thousanth of a degree.  With respect to ionisation energy, a lethal
dose is only sufficient to ionise about every millionthatom.    I therefore
find flicking a small light bulb on for a few seconds to 'illuminate' the
public a dramatic understatement if the other side of the coin is kept in
the dark.   Understandably,  in public education about radiation one does
not necessarily want to dwell on lethal doses, but striking a healthy
balance between mortal fear and total disregard is not trivial.
Chris Hofmeyr.
CNS, PO Box 7106, Centurion 0046, South Africa. Fax +27 12 6635513.



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