Re: Nuclear Train

[Jim Abraham <jimabe@lamar.colostate.edu>]

I absolutely agree.  I think that a message delivered from the Health Physics
Society would carry much more weight and meaning than from one individual.  This
would be a great opportunity for people to even hear the words "Health Physics",
which I'll bet 95% of the general population have never put the two together to
understand what we do.  The fact that the public doesn't know about our
profession and the Society is our fault.  The Society should use the opportunity
to educate the public and answer questions about issues being used by the media
to generate fear and sell papers, such as transportation of radioactive waste.
The more people know that we exist, the less likely a negative response to
something that is not understood.  The most important aspect of all of this is
how it is presented to the public.  If the message is crafted for the most
efficient communication in laymen's terms, then the Society will only benefit
from its demonstrated professionalism.  I'm curious what the HPS President
thinks of this opportunity?
--
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
James P. Abraham
Alt. Radiation Safety Officer
Radiation Control Office - Environmental Health Serv.
Colorado State University - Fort Collins, CO 80523-6021

Phone:  (970) 491-3928  Fax:  (970) 491-4804
email:  jimabe@lamar.colostate.edu
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Michael Stabin wrote:

> This would seem to me to be a good situation in which to turn a problem into
> an opportunity.  There is time - if we work out a good unified response,
> when the material airs and people's interest is heightened, we can put out
> letters, perhaps be involved in interviews, etc. in which a single message
> from the society is heard.  If the truth is on our side, many people will
> see that - we can point out the inaccuracies without attacking people
> personally, explain how much rad waste is due to medical procedures, etc,
> etc.  If we are organized and professional about it, perhaps this could be a
> situation that greatly helps the profession instead of being seen as a
> setback.
>
> Michael Stabin
> Departamento de Energia Nuclear/UFPE
> Av. Prof. Luiz Freire, 1000 - Cidade Universitaria
> CEP 50740 - 540
> Recife - PE
> Brazil
> Phone 55-81-271-8251 or 8252 or 8253
> Fax  55-81-271-8250
> E-mail stabin@npd.ufpe.br
>
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