CABINET PAPER—PRIVILEGED Property of the White House—For Authorized Persons Only COPY NO | 00cu28 CP 60 ~ | 09 May 11, 1960 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: Radiation Protection Guidance for Federal Agencies Pursuant to Executive Order 10831 and P, L. 86-373, the Fe deral Radiation Council has made a study of the hazards and use of radiati DTle We herewith transmit our first report to you concerning our findingd and our recommendations for the guidance of Federal agencies in ths conduct of their radiation protection activities, It is the statutory responsibility of the Council to ",, adviselthe President with respect to radiation matters, directly or indirectly 7 affecting health, including guidance for all Federal agencies in the formulation of radiation standards and in the establishment and 4 execution of programs of cooperation with States..." Fundamentally, setting basic radiation protection standards involves passing judgment on the extent of the possible health hazard society is willing to accept in order to realize the known benefits of radiation, It involves inevitably a balancing between total health protection, which might require foregoing any activities increasing exposure to radiation, and the vigorous promotion of the use of radiation and atomic energy in order to achieve optimum benefits. The Federal Radiation Council has reviewed available knowlpe dge on radiation effects and consulted with scientists within and outside the Government, Each member has also examined the guidance recommended in this memorandum in light of his statutory respons|bilities. Although the guidance does not cover all phases of radiatjon protection, such as internal emitters, we find that the guidance whic h we recommend that you provide for the use of Federal agencies gives appropriate consideration to the requirements of health protection and the beneficial uses of radiation and atomic energy. findings and recommendations follow, CABINET PAPER For Consideration Our furthqr