“DOB ARCHIVEST Pt -8 - ~ Attachment A_ While we concur with this basic approach, we do not agree with all the premises, conditions and extrapolations used by Gofman and Tamplin in their testimony. In general, we believe that their calculations result in overestimates rather than, as they indicate, ''minimum values" of cancer risk. Nevertheless, we believe that there is a need to establish more definitive estimates of the radiation risks that are associated with assumed, or observed, exposure conditions; otherwise, there is in- adequate basis to evaluate benefit versus risk. We also agree with the concept that the radiation standards should be developed on the assumption that any increase in radiation exposure will be accompanied by a commensurate increase in the risk of cancer. Drs. Gofman and Tamplin havz raised the question of whether the present FRC guidelines are still acceptable. In the past ten years, since the formulation of the FRC basic guides, sufficient additional information has developed from epidemiologic studies and animal experiments so that a reevaluation of such guidelines is believed to be warranted. In view of our concern with the potential hazard of ionizing radiation in the environment, and as Chairman of the FRC, Iam recommending that the Council institute a careful review and evaluation of the relevant scientific information that has become available in the past decade. am recommending that this reevaluation provide, as definitely as I possible, estimates of the risks associated with low levels of environ- mental radiation as a basis for review of the adequacy of current FRC guidelines as applicable to projected radiation levels. Based on projected exposure levels, the need for possible dose apportionment among the more important classes of radiation sources, such as nuclear power reactors, other peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and radiation from consumer products would also be considered. I hope that these comments are useful to your subcommittee. call on us if we can be of any assistance. Sincerely, sgd---Robert H. Finch Secretary, DHEW Please