FW: Nashville Tennessean; Mortality vs. Morbidity Studies-Reply

[Michael S Ford <MFORD@pantex.com>]

Jim,

I have no problem supporting studies of morbidity for populations
near federal and commercial nuclear installations.

However, if you're going to do a study of that type, you have to look
at more than just radiological causal factors.  You have to consider
everything the persons may be exposed to.  For the vast majority of
cases, people are exposed to much higher quantities of hazardous
chemicals at home than they are in the workplace.

Here's a question for the group:  how many of you know someone
who follows ALL of the chemical safety precautions when applying
herbicides or pesticides to their lawn or garden, staining/painting
furniture or fences, de-fleaing their pets, adding gas to the lawn
mower (a little splash here or there never hurts), or cleaning the
bathroom?

Most of these chemicals used around the house require one or
more of the following: safety glasses/goggles/face shield, gloves,
respirator, coveralls and/or shoes.  And yet how many times have
you seen your neighbor applying pesticides (Dursban or
Diazanon) to his lawn in shorts and sandals?

I need some coffee! ;-)
v/r
Michael
*************************
Michael S. Ford, CHP
Texas Radiation Advisory Board
Address:
Radiation Safety Department
Battelle Pantex
Amarillo, TX
806.477.5727 phone
806.477.4198 fax
mford@pantex.com
*************************
 
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