Scientifically insecure criteria for DD&ER radiation exposure guidelines
- R. Thomas Consult, Bigfork, MT (United States)
Contractors having the responsibility for the decontamination, decommissioning, and environmental restoration (DD&ER) at a nuclear facility, formerly used or active, must be prepared to administer their operation under radiation exposure guidelines established by the U.S. regulatory agencies. These organizations, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are very closely tied to each other in this arena. Current guideline levels, based on the premise that all radiation is harmful to health, are unfounded scientifically. Leonard Sagan, chairman of an international panel on low-level health effects at the winter 1994 American Nuclear Society (ANS) meeting, stated that the linear nonthreshold model is based on {open_quotes}politics and social concerns, not science.{close_quotes} In society`s desire to live with no risk, this perhaps is the most simplistic approach. Unfortunately, the cost and burden of carrying out these safety guidelines can hinder progress and may lead to greater health risk.
- OSTI ID:
- 186258
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950601--
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Vol. 72; ISSN 0003-018X; ISSN TANSAO
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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