X-rays or Strip Search - Wrong risk comparison

[Robert_A_Jones@RL.gov]

I believe that we are weighing the wrong risks.  To be comparable, we
should compare the risk of strip search vs. X-rays because it is one or
the other (they will not just let you go if you refuse an X-ray).  If we
do not give X-rays, it does not correlate to "Flaming Death" (for all
Bugs Life fans) because a strip search, not "Flaming Death" is the
direct alternative.  By the way, bombs and explosives can be sniffed out
by other methods that do not involve strip search or irradiation of
people.  The question should be - which method is more effective?  I
believe that a search policy in itself is the most effective element in
deterring this type of stuff.

Robert A. Jones			Robert_A_Jones@rl.gov
Health Physicist 			phone: (509)376-8528
PFP Radiological Control 		fax: (509)373-4274
Hanford, WA				Hanford Pager: 85-6559 


	-----Original Message-----
	From:	Vincent.King@DOEGJPO.COM [SMTP:Vincent.King@DOEGJPO.COM]
	Sent:	Wednesday, December 02, 1998 3:01 PM
	To:	Multiple recipients of list
	Subject:	X-rays or Strip Search?

	     Radsafers,
	     
	     Wouldn't it be completely inconsistent and irresponsible to
take 
	     seriously the 'risk' from micro-rems of exposure while
ignoring the 
	     risk (which may be small, but which is certainly not zero)
of 
	     incurring very serious 'health effects' that can result
from 
	     someone with a weapon being in a classroom with your kids,
or 
	     onboard your next flight, or killing a guard while breaking
out of 
	     prison?  Given the choice of exposure from an x-ray or
exposure to 
	     a nut-case with a bomb on a plane, I know which I would
choose.
	     
	     If we only consider the assumed risk from radiation in
situations 
	     like these, how do we convince the public that we are
professionals 
	     in dealing with health and safety concerns?
	     
	     Vincent King
	     vincent.king@doegjpo.com

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