ALARA Reform Rev9 American Nuclear Society（和改革Rev9美国核协会）.pdfVIP

ANS Local Section Address Is ALARA reform needed? Address to both Eastern Washington and Trinity Sections of the American Nuclear Society on May 19 20, 2011 Remarks by Eric P. Loewen, Ph.D. Vice President/President Elect American Nuclear Society Tonight I will reach gently toward a political third rail. Note, please, that I am now putting on my PERSONAL ME hat. I want to make clear that my comments in no way reflect the positions, interests, or policies of the American Nuclear Society of which I have been a part for the last 23 years. With that in mind I ask you to think of three colors of gamma rays green, yellow and red. Green gamma rays come from natural sources, yellow gamma rays coming from medical treatment and red gamma rays are emitted from nuclear power. Green ones are not regulated much. Yellow gamma rays cause some concern but we put up with the lead blanket at the dentist office. Now the red ones, coming from a nuclear power plants we regulate the hell out of. Perhaps this would suggest that it is time to review what I see as regulatory “overreach.” My question - my premise - for your consideration: Is ALARA reform needed? My answer: Yes! Please allow me to explain. I am bold to propose that a reform in ALARA philosophy will realize continued radiological safety while reducing cost in operations of nuclear facilities. The motivation to take on this sensitive issue is the confluence in my thinking of the following three points: First is the thought provoking wisdom in an obscure 1981 paper titled “What is ALARA” written by two Oak Ridge National Laboratory Heath Physics division em