Recent international regulations: low dose-low rate radiation protection and the demise of reason.
The radiation protection measures suggested by the International Committee for Radiation Protection (ICRP), national regulating bodies and experts, have been becoming ever more strict despite the decrease of any information supporting the existence of the Linear no Threshold model (LNT) and of any adverse effects of Low Dose Low Rate (LDLR) irradiation. This tendency arises from the disproportionate response of human society to hazards that are currently in fashion and is unreasonable. The 1 mSv/year dose limit for the public suggested by the ICRP corresponds to a 1/18,181 detriment-adjusted cancer risk and is much lower than other hazards that are faced by modern societies such as e.g. driving and smoking which carry corresponding rate risks of 1/2,100 and 1/2,000. Even worldwide deadly work accidents rate is higher at 1/ 8,065. Such excessive safety measures against minimal risks from man made radiation sources divert resources from very real and much greater hazards. In addition they undermine research and development of radiation technology and tend to subjugate science and the quest for understanding nature to phobic practices.
Okkalides
Demetrios
D
Theagenio Anticancer Hospital, A. Simeonidi 2, Thessaloniki, Greece. od@tlmq.com
D001822:Body Burden; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011874:Radiometry / Q000592:standards*