Based on this and other assumptions, admissible theoretical calculations
can be made as to the potential number of genetic mutations, of cases
of leukemia, etc. that couic result from fallout.
This linear concept
leads axiomatically to the situation where there is no sharp dividing
line below which there is complete safety and above which there is a
serious hazard,
Radiation protection guides, therefore, must be
derived on some other bases, as noted next.
Thirdly, there has been some misinterpretation of the radiation
protection guides.
The use of the linear concept leaves little choice
for deriving radiation protection guides, i.e., -- there must be a
balancing of the "benefits" anticipated from any atomic energy program,
normal
whether it be for/peacetime /
(radiation exposure).
operations
or national defense, against the "risks"
Obviously, this is an exceedingly complex and,
in part, subjective process.
In spite of these difficulties this balancing of benefits from
normal peacetime operations against risks has been performed by the
Federal Radiation Council (FRC) resulting in their recommending radiation
,
10a.
protection guides for this purpose. Ina letter of August 17, 1962 to
the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy, Congress of the United States,
the FRC clarified further their published Guides:
" . . . the Guides were originally developed for appli-
cation as guidelines for the protection of radiation workers
and the general public against exposures which might result
during 'normal peacetime operations’ in connection with the
industrial use of ionizing radiation . .. the term ‘normal
peacetime operations’ referred specifically to the peaceful