To Mitigate The Lnt Model's Unintended Consequences-A Proposed Stopping Point For As Low As Reasonably Achievable

Study of the Structural, Morphological, Strength and Shielding Properties of CuBi2O4 Films Obtained by Electrochemical Synthesis

In this research, the formation processes of CuBi2O4 films were examined using atomic force microscopy, energy dispersive analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis methods. The films were synthesized through electrochemical deposition from sulfuric acid solutions at a potential difference of 3.5 V. The duration of film growth was set to between 10 and 90 min to assess the possibility of controlled film growth and preserve the stability of their structural properties during growth over an extended period. An analysis of the data obtained by X-ray diffraction revealed that the resulting film samples are highly ordered structures with a tetragonal CuBi2O4 phase. The results of the connection between the thickness of CuBi2O4 films and strength properties depending on the time of film deposition were obtained. The results of the shielding efficiency of low-energy γ-quanta using CuBi2O4 films were obtained.

Radiological risk assessment of the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (HPNS)

Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, California was deemed a Superfund site by the USEPA in 1989 due to chemical and radiological contamination resulting from U.S. Navy operations from 1939 to 1974. During characterization and remediation efforts, over 50,000 radiological soil samples and 19,000 air samples were collected. This risk assessment, conducted in accordance with federal guidelines, represents the first comprehensive evaluation of past, present, and future health risks associated with radionuclides present at the site. The assessment indicated that before site remediation, most radionuclide soil concentrations were at or near local background concentrations. Had such low remedial goals not been established, significant remediation of surface soils would not have been necessary to protect human health. The pre-remediation lifetime incremental cancer morbidity risks for on-site workers and theoretical on-site residents due to radionuclide contamination were found to be 1.3 × 10^-6 and 3.2 × 10^-6, respectively. The post-remediation risks to future on-site residents were found to be 6.3 × 10^-8 (without durable cover) and 3.7 × 10^-8 (with durable cover), while post-remediation risks to on-site workers were found to be 2.6 × 10^-8 (without durable cover) and 1.6 × 10^-8 (with durable cover). Risk estimates for all scenarios were found to be significantly below the acceptable risk of 3 × 10^-4 approved by regulatory agencies. Upwind and downwind air samples collected during remediation indicate that remediation activities never posed a measurable risk to off-site residents. This risk assessment emphasizes the importance of establishing clear and scientifically rigorous soil remedial goals at sites as well as understanding local radionuclide background concentrations.

Economic Considerations for Radiation Protection in Medical Settings-Is It Time for a New Paradigm?

ABSTRACT

The full ALARA principle includes "as low as reasonably achievable" taking social and economic factors into consideration. The International Commission on Radiological Protection advises a conventional cost benefit approach (e.g., cost per monetized averted stochastic effects or years of life saved) to consider economic factors. Given small incremental radiation dose reductions to patients, workers, or the public that may be realized in medical settings and the correspondingly small changes to theoretical stochastic effects, a conventional cost benefit approach is less than ideal. This is illustrated in the case studies presented in this paper. Alternate approaches, such as cost per unit of radiation dose averted (e.g., $/μSv averted), cancer induction/fatality probabilistic thresholds, or thresholds relative to natural background radiation may be alternate options. However, the decision regarding what is a "safe" level of radiation and what are reasonable costs to make it "safer" are driven by societal values and may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

X-Ray Hesitancy: Patients' Radiophobic Concerns Over Medical X-rays

All too often the family physician, orthopedic surgeon, dentist or chiropractor is met with radiophobic concerns about X-ray imaging in the clinical setting. These concerns, however, are unwarranted fears based on common but ill-informed and perpetuated ideology versus current understanding of the effects of low-dose radiation exposures. Themes of X-ray hesitancy come in 3 forms: 1. All radiation exposures are harmful (i.e. carcinogenic); 2. Radiation exposures are cumulative; 3. Children are more susceptible to radiation. Herein we address these concerns and find that low-dose radiation activates the body's adaptive responses and leads to reduced cancers. Low-dose radiation is not cumulative as long as enough time (e.g. 24 hrs) passes prior to a repeated exposure, and any damage is repaired, removed, or eliminated. Children have more active immune systems; the literature shows children are no more affected than adults by radiation exposures. Medical X-rays present a small, insignificant addition to background radiation exposure that is not likely to cause harm. Doctors and patients alike should be better informed of the lack of risks from diagnostic radiation and the decision to image should rely on the best evidence, unique needs of the patient, and the expertise of the physician-not radiophobia.