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UCRL- 3644
Advantages Minus Cost Equals Net Gain
The sum of evidence would lead to the conclusion that radiation probably
does affect man's health subtly, and--like money and time--it should be exchanged for equivalent advantages.
Since the usefulness of atomic energy--including material and energy
gain and defense measures of prime importance--is a positive result, and the
radiation effect upon humans generally is a negative result of the atomic age,
atomic energy usefulness minus harmful radiation effect must be equated to the
net gain. Therefore it is critically important to estimate hazard quantitatively,
and to be mindful of other factors while doing so.
However, there is no una-
nimity of opinion at this time as to the precise balance that should be achieved
between advantages and disadvantages of use of atomic energy, because certain
qualifying factors are still too poorly known. Uncertainties exist which can
mean either underestimation or overestimation of the effect of radiation.
This
brief synopsis roughly appraises the biological costs of exposure to radiation
and presents information which must largely guide decisions in the interim
until more precise information on radiation effect is available.
A summary of current knowledge of radiation tolerance or hazard and
fallout is provided in several major public documents that have appeared in 2 34,5, 6
1956 in broad survey of the problems to man of atomic radiation and fallout.”
,
The Concept of Maximum Permissible Dose
Karly estimates of that amount of exposure to ionizing radiation which
constitutes a permissible occupational hazard placed the upper limit at 0.lr
per day. Such a value was exceedingly conservative in view of information
available at the time it was established. It is lower by a factor of 50 than
chronic exposures leading to physiological disturbances and radiation sickness,
and by a factor of 1000 to 5000 than the dose which, in a single exposure, might
threaten life. Also, at the time it was proposed, 0.1 r was the lower limit of
radiation exposure dose knownto elicit any biological response. Evidence on
the magnitude of physiologic response of the individual to radiation in the range
2
;
;
National Academy of Science,''The Biological Effects of Atomic Radiation -
Summary Report," 1956.
3
;
National Academy of Science ''The Biological Effects of Atomic Radiation -
Report to the Public," 1956.
t British Report, "Radiation Hazards to Man,'' Cmd 9780.
Bar:
.
Willard F. Libby, "Current Research Findings on Radioactive Fallout}!
Proc. Nat. Academy, Dec. 1956.
6
M. Eisenbud and J. H. Harley, 'Radioactive Fallout Through September
1955,'"' Science 124, 3215 (August 10, 1956).