RISKS OF RADIATION

Risk of Cancer

Despite extensive studies of about 100,000 radiation workers, no increase in the natural incidence of cancer has been observed in workers exposed to radiation at normal occupational levels. This does not prove that radiation does not cause cancer, only that the radiation normally received by radiation workers, in general, is too small for any effect to be observed.

Increased numbers of cancers have been observed, however, in those atomic bomb survivors at Hiroshima and Nagasaki who received ³ 0.35 Sv. Survivors who received 0.35 Sv have a 3% higher incidence of cancer than unexposed individuals.

Sensitivity of the Embryo/Fetus

Cells of the embryo/fetus are rapidly dividing, which makes them more sensitive to radiation than any other time of their life.

Although no effects were observed in Japanese children who were conceived after the atomic bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, effects were observed in some children who were exposed to the atomic bomb radiation while in the womb. Some of these children were born with low birth weight, small head size, and mental retardation. However, only at doses > 0.15 Sv is there a significant increase in risk.

Comparing Occupational Risks

Lost Life Expectancy comparison for various occupations:

Law Enforcement \ Firemen - 720 days lost

Coal Miner - 328 days lost

Farmer - 277 days lost

Transportation Worker - 164 days lost

Manufacturer - 43 days lost

Radiological Worker - 40 days lost

Trade Industry Employee - 30


Other Risks

Smoking 1.4 cigarettes (lung cancer)
Radiation dose of 1.0 mSv (cancer)
Eating 40 tablespoons of peanut butter (liver cancer)
Eating 100 charcoal broiled steaks (cancer)
Spending 2 days in New York City (air pollution)
Driving 40 miles in a car (accident)
Flying 2,500 miles in a jet (accident)
Canoeing for 6 minutes (accident)

Comparison of Health Risks

Unmarried Male - 3500 days lost

Tobacco User - 2250 days lost

Unmarried Female - 1600 days lost

Overweight Individual - 777 days lost

Alcohol Consumer - 365 days lost

Motor Vehicle Driver - 207 days lost

0.1 mSi/yr for 70 years - 10 days lost