RE: Nuclear Expert aka Daniel Hirsch

["Lavera, Ron" <Ron.Lavera@nypa.gov>]

I'm following these types of threads with some interest, especially
since attending the recent STAR conference in NY city.  

I'm not overly concerned with the idea that some details are incorrect,
although it may speak to some like of editorial rigor or a lack of
knowledge.  I'm more interested in what criteria members of the press
use to determine the "Expert" level of knowledge.  

This question is NOT asked "tongue in cheek".  I would like to hear the
opinion of some of the members of the press in this matter.  The answers
may help shed some light on why "we" have such a difficult time
communicating with the public.

Thank you for your time  and consideration.

Ron LaVera
lavera.r@nypa.gov

-----Original Message-----
From: Jacobus, John (OD) [mailto:JJacobus@exchange.nih.gov]
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 1998 10:52 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: Nuclear Expert aka Daniel Hirsch


In all fairness, the article says that Daniel Hirsch is a nuclear
expert.  As
people have noted recently, e.g. the half-life of I-125 is not 6 months,
newspaper reports may not obtain the right information.  They may assume
since
he is involved with nuclear waste and other issues, and has read and
commented
on the report, that he is an expert.  He may be an expert anti-nuclear
activist,
but does he claim to an expert on nuclear reactor risk analysis. -- John

John Jacobus, Area Health Physicist
National Institutes of Health
Radiation Safety Branch, Building 21, Room 238
21 Wilson Drive, MSC 6780
Bethesda, MD  20892-6780
Phone:  301-496-5774
Fax:      301-496-3544
E-mail:   jjacobus@exchange.nih.gov (W)
            jenday@ix.netcom.com (H)


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