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Publication Laka-library:
The controversy over low dose exposure to ionising radiations (1984)

Author	P.A.Green, University of Aston
Date	November 1984
Classification	6.01.4.80/48 (RADIATION - DISCUSSION ON LOW-LEVEL RADIATION)
Front

Abstract

Since 1954 radiological protection standards have been presented as erring on the
side of caution, deliberately overestimating the level of risk resulting from low dose
exposure to ionising radiations. This claim is contradicted by an ever increasing
body of evidence. Such claims however are vigorously rejected by the scientific
community as irrational and unscientific.
Such expert disputes cannot be explained by the view that science is neutral or
objective. This thesis reviews the radiation controversy and offers an explanation
that accounts for expert dispute through lack of objectivity on the part of the expert-
advisory committees that set radiological protection standards. Whose members,
frequently in addition to their regulatory duties are employed by organisations
with commercial interests, creating a conflict of interests which coupled with
thesocially constructed nature of science leads to the recommendations of the
advisory committees reflecting the vested interests of their members and hence
the economic interests of industry as opposed to emphasising the interests of
worker or public health.
As a step towards reversing the unacceptable level of risk currently faced by many
in the radiation industry, this thesis proposes the rejection of ICRP 26 as the basis
fornational legislation; an immediate ten-fold reduction in the dose-equivalent
limits and an independent review of the future recommendations from the ICRP.

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