Disposal of low-level radioactive waste: problems and implications for physicians
Article Abstract:
Disposal of low-level radioactive waste remains a controversial issue despite existing technology that makes the process safe and permanent. Low-level radioactive waste accounts for only 1% of the activity of all radioactive waste in the US and includes things like contaminated gloves and clothing, laboratory supplies and waste products from radiopharmaceutical preparations. Radioactive materials have many uses including medical diagnosis and therapy and equipment sterilization. Currently, shallow land burial is the method of disposal for low-level radioactive waste in the US. Community opposition to disposal is strong, however, largely because of public distrust of governmental agencies and industry. Physicians and scientists can play an important role in public discussions and policy-making by addressing people's fears and explaining the consequences of insufficient disposal sites on medical research, diagnosis and treatment.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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Estimation of radiation risks: BEIR V and its significance for medicine
Article Abstract:
BEIR V is a 1990 National Research Council (NRC) report on the affects of ionizing radiation on human health. The NCR appointed 17 experts on the effect of radiation on people to the Committee on the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR). In BEIR V, they calculate the health risks associated with exposure to different levels of ionizing radiation. The NRC has published two earlier reports on the health risks of exposure to radiation. The scientists who prepared BEIR V based their calculations on a different set of assumptions than those used for the two earlier reports. The publication of BEIR V may change the radiation protection guidelines. especially for annual, lifetime and fetal exposure and for fetal exposure. It probably will have little or no effect on guidelines for occupational exposure.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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