Re: Radiation hormesis

[GACarlson@aol.com]

In a message dated 5/6/99 1:06:16 PM EST, tmohaupt@wright.edu writes:

<< Glen presents an interesting point of view.  Since ionizing radiation 
 is simply a form of energy, it can be readily compared with other 
 forms of energy and their effects.  Keep in mind that there is no 
 type of energy that is safe in high levels.  Radiation is the only 
 one to which a LNT is applied.  The LNT is a political 
 position and, most likely, not an accurate description of reality.  
 Personally, I'd like to see radiation regulated to prevent real 
 damage, much the way we do with other forms of energy, rather than 
 treat it like the witchcraft trails of the late 17th century in New 
 England. >>

My issue is not whether LNT, or LT, or NLT, or NLNT is the more accurate 
model for calculating risks from radiation exposure, but, rather, how any 
alternative to LNT would be implemented.  

Let's ASSUME the LNT model for radiation exposure is invalid, and, say, there 
is a threshold exposure below which increasing exposure produces no 
increasing or, even, a decreasing risk of excess cancer, and, above that 
threshold, increasing exposure results in increasing risk.  

Do we agree, then, that exposures above that threshold should only be 
permitted if the increased risk is outweighed by some benefit?  And, do we 
also agree that exposures below that threshold may be permitted without 
regard to whether there is a corresponding benefit?

Now, assuming we agree up to this point, my question is:

How is one to determine for which situations the cost-benefit analysis must 
be done (i.e, the NET benefit of the exposure MIGHT be negative) and for 
which the cost-benefit analysis need not be done (i.e, the NET benefit of the 
exposure CANNOT be negative)?

Glenn
GACarlson@aol.com

************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html