Radiation: How to address the confusion Jill Anderson Washington Internships for Students of Engineering & The American Nuclear Society
Summary Background Conflicts and Concerns Policy Recommendations
Background- what radiation is Radiation is actually a form of energy Measuring radiation dose: the Sievert Where does radiation come from?
Background: where radiation comes from Sources of Radiation Exposure in the United States NCRP, 1987
Background: how we use radiation Uses of Radiation Medical- x-rays, CT scans, PET scans, brachiotherapy. Academic- carbon dating Industry- nonstick cookware, wrinkle resistant fabric
Background: how we use radiation Uses Food Irradiation- kills bacteria and prolongs shelf life Security and safety- smoke detectors Energy- nuclear power generates over 20% of our electricity
Background: government Regulations NRC- commercial EPA- soil, air water Current Policy S. 1042, medical safety H.R. 3228, NRC regulations
Conflicts and Concerns: what they are Nuclear Power Plants Radiation emissions TMI and Chernobyl Terrorism Legitimate Concerns
Conflicts and Concerns: why Public Perception Dangers of an ill-informed public Medical and food treatments Unfounded terror
How to Address the Confusion Nuclear Power Stringent regulations Medical Food
How to Address the Confusion Policy recommendations Accuracy and adequacy of public education about radiation benefits and health risks through industry and regulatory involvement.
Radiation: How to Address the Confusion Concluding remarks Questions and Comments