Since we are constantly exposed to many different sources of background radiation throughout our lives, there is no way to reduce our exposure to zero. Hence, we cannot guarantee that we are completely safe from the possible effects of radiation. As is true for many other aspects of life, the very fact of living means we have to accept a certain amount of risk from the radiation all around us.
As concerned citizens, the key question we need to ask and try to help answer is:
How much exposure to radiation beyond the normal levels of uncontrollable natural radiation should society tolerate in order to balance the risks and the benefits of radiation?
Public participation can play a significant role in the way the government manages risk, including the risk of exposure to radiation. In a democracy, when citizens speak up at public hearings, write to their elected representatives and regulatory agencies, march on picket lines, and file lawsuits, their opinions count. The voices of citizens influence the debate that helps determine what laws and regulations are written, where and when facilities are built, and what levels of releases and exposure will be permitted by the government.
In fact, many government agencies are increasingly inviting this kind of public participation — called stakeholder involvement — in their decision-making process. They are doing so by
- Publishing scientific and regulatory information on public issues, both in hard copy and on their World Wide Web sites
- Holding public meetings and hearings and teleconferences
- Encouraging citizens to submit written comments on proposed policies and programs
The goal of these outreach efforts is to involve citizens more directly in determining the appropriate balance between, for example, sustaining our nations economic strength and other social values, such as maintaining environmental quality.
Individuals can have an effect on decisions about such issues as:
- Balancing the benefits and risks of radiation
- Safe disposal of radioactive waste
- Appropriate levels of cleanup for contaminated sites and facilities
Ultimately, we must rely on our elected officials and the regulators who are responsible for enforcing their decisions to find the best balance of social, political, and scientific factors for the benefit of society as a whole. Citizens can help them do their jobs more effectively by learning about and doing their best to understand the environmental and other consequences of technological change, including the benefits and risks associated with radiation in all its forms. The more we know, the better equipped we will be to help ensure that society develops and uses radiation wisely.
December 4, 2002
