Fifty Years of Radiation Mythology BWCHPS 50 th Anniversary Ray Johnson, MS, PE, FHPS, CHP VP Training Programs Dade Moeller & Associates [email protected]

Fifty Years of Fifty Years of Radiation MythologyRadiation Mythology

BWCHPSBWCHPS5050thth Anniversary Anniversary

Ray Johnson, MS, PE, FHPS, CHPRay Johnson, MS, PE, FHPS, CHPVP Training ProgramsVP Training Programs

Dade Moeller & AssociatesDade Moeller & Associates301-990-6006301-990-6006

[email protected]@moellerinc.com

2Dade Moeller & Associates

MythBusters – Discovery ChannelMythBusters – Discovery Channel

Jamie Hyneman

Adam Savage


Outline for TodayOutline for Today

What is a Myth?What is a Myth?

A few common myths – for funA few common myths – for fun

A few radiation myths - and answersA few radiation myths - and answers

The power and resiliency of mythsThe power and resiliency of myths

What can we do?What can we do?


What is a Myth?What is a Myth? A collective opinion, belief, or ideal A collective opinion, belief, or ideal

that is based on false premises or that is based on false premises or is the product of fallacious reasoningis the product of fallacious reasoning

A theme that is felt to express truths about A theme that is felt to express truths about human life or human naturehuman life or human nature

A traditional story used to explain some A traditional story used to explain some natural phenomenon, natural phenomenon,

such as the origin of the sunsuch as the origin of the sun Unfortunately, what we consider myths, Unfortunately, what we consider myths,

others may consider realityothers may consider reality


A few Myths for FunA few Myths for Fun It's hotter in the summertime, because the It's hotter in the summertime, because the

earth is closer to the sun earth is closer to the sun If you go swimming less than an hour after If you go swimming less than an hour after

eating, you will get stomach cramps eating, you will get stomach cramps

and drownand drown You can get sunburned through a window.You can get sunburned through a window. Drinking alcohol -- brandy, for example -- Drinking alcohol -- brandy, for example --

will warm you up when you're cold.will warm you up when you're cold.


A few Myths for FunA few Myths for Fun Mark Twain once said, "The coldest Mark Twain once said, "The coldest

winter I ever spent was a summer winter I ever spent was a summer

in San Francisco.”in San Francisco.”

All cars run better with premium gasoline.All cars run better with premium gasoline.

If you fire a bullet into a car's gas tank, the If you fire a bullet into a car's gas tank, the

car will explodecar will explode

Men have a higher tolerance for alcohol Men have a higher tolerance for alcohol

than women. than women.


A few Myths for FunA few Myths for Fun

It's hotter in the summertime, because the It's hotter in the summertime, because the earth is closer to the sun.earth is closer to the sun.

Eating bananas will attract mosquitoes, Eating bananas will attract mosquitoes, while eating garlic will repel them. while eating garlic will repel them.

You can get sunburned through a window.You can get sunburned through a window. Mark Twain once said, "The coldest Mark Twain once said, "The coldest

winter I ever spent was a summer winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”in San Francisco.”

Men have a higher tolerance for alcohol Men have a higher tolerance for alcohol than women. than women.


Radiation MythsRadiation Myths ““Deadly Radiation”Deadly Radiation”

Media has used these words for over 60 yearsMedia has used these words for over 60 years Now accepted as basis for understanding radiationNow accepted as basis for understanding radiation Assumes cause and effect automaticallyAssumes cause and effect automatically Analogy with aspirinAnalogy with aspirin

ResultsResults Fears of radiation seem out of proportion to Fears of radiation seem out of proportion to risks risks

as we would understand themas we would understand them


““No Safe Level of Radiation”No Safe Level of Radiation” The only safe level is zero radiation The only safe level is zero radiation

Predicted by LNTPredicted by LNT

Every radioactive atom is harmful Every radioactive atom is harmful

Every atom must be removedEvery atom must be removed

Basis of antinuclear sentiments and Basis of antinuclear sentiments and

opposition to nuclear technologyopposition to nuclear technology

Ignores radiation all around usIgnores radiation all around us


NAS BEIR VII - 2005NAS BEIR VII - 2005 Current evidence is consistent with the Current evidence is consistent with the

hypothesis, that at low doses (0 – 10 rem), hypothesis, that at low doses (0 – 10 rem),

there is a linear relationship between there is a linear relationship between

dose dose and solid cancers in humans. and solid cancers in humans.

A threshold is unlikely, although the number A threshold is unlikely, although the number

of cancers at low doses will be smallof cancers at low doses will be small

Risk of heritable effects is small compared to Risk of heritable effects is small compared to

baseline of genetic diseasesbaseline of genetic diseases


Models for Estimating RiskModels for Estimating Risk

HormesisAre small doses of radiation beneficial ?

10 - 50 rem


Interpretation of LNTInterpretation of LNT Leads to view - “No Safe Level of Radiation”Leads to view - “No Safe Level of Radiation”

No level without riskNo level without risk The only safe level is zeroThe only safe level is zero However,However,

There is no zeroThere is no zero We are all exposed to radiation all the timeWe are all exposed to radiation all the time

The debate on low dose effects will go on The debate on low dose effects will go on because of lack of databecause of lack of data

Propose a new message:Propose a new message:

““It is actually very difficult to harm It is actually very difficult to harm someone with radiation!” someone with radiation!”


Questions about LNTQuestions about LNT

What does zero meanWhat does zero mean Zero health effects starts at 560,000 Zero health effects starts at 560,000

cancer deaths a yearcancer deaths a year Zero radiation starts at 620 mrem in USZero radiation starts at 620 mrem in US

3,000 - 4,000 in Kerala, India3,000 - 4,000 in Kerala, India 6,000 - 8,000 in Brazil6,000 - 8,000 in Brazil 20,000 – 25,000 in northern Iran20,000 – 25,000 in northern Iran


20/20, May 12, 2006 - John Stossel20/20, May 12, 2006 - John Stossel

Myth – “Radiation Will Kill You”Myth – “Radiation Will Kill You” Contrary to predictions of the New York Times, Contrary to predictions of the New York Times,

“Japanese lives will change for centuries, “Japanese lives will change for centuries, and and genetic defects will occur for the genetic defects will occur for the next next 1,000 1,000 years,” years,”

so far no such damage has appeared.so far no such damage has appeared. Atomic bomb survivors may now be living Atomic bomb survivors may now be living

longer than normal.longer than normal. TMI – average dose was 6.5 mrem, far TMI – average dose was 6.5 mrem, far below below

average of 620 mrem / yr (NCRP 160)average of 620 mrem / yr (NCRP 160)


20/20, May 12, 2006 - John Stossel20/20, May 12, 2006 - John Stossel

Myth – “Radiation Will Kill You”Myth – “Radiation Will Kill You” People go to Montana health mines, People go to Montana health mines,

because they feel better.because they feel better. No one has died from radiation in nuclear No one has died from radiation in nuclear

power. power. Yet media continues to foster that you Yet media continues to foster that you are going are going to be killed by radiation. to be killed by radiation.

Its scare tactics.Its scare tactics. Chernobyl – media predictions of Chernobyl – media predictions of

hundreds of thousands of deathshundreds of thousands of deaths – not close to truth. – not close to truth.

Psychological trauma far worse than radiationPsychological trauma far worse than radiation


Chernobyl Deaths ?Chernobyl Deaths ?

100s of websites say 125 K to 500 K deaths100s of websites say 125 K to 500 K deaths Where are the bodies?Where are the bodies? How many deaths do we know about?How many deaths do we know about?

40 to 54 40 to 54 first responders, plant workersfirst responders, plant workers

Some thyroid injuriesSome thyroid injuries Cancer deaths predicted by LNTCancer deaths predicted by LNT

1 cancer for each 1,000 person-rem (100 people x 10 rem)1 cancer for each 1,000 person-rem (100 people x 10 rem) rem to 100s of millions of peoplerem to 100s of millions of people


““One Atom of Plutonium”One Atom of Plutonium”

Deadliest material known to manDeadliest material known to man One atom is enough to do you inOne atom is enough to do you in

No one has actually died from plutoniumNo one has actually died from plutonium One atom can release one alpha particleOne atom can release one alpha particle How much damage can one How much damage can one

alpha particle do?alpha particle do? We are breathing alpha emitters all the timeWe are breathing alpha emitters all the time

Po-218 and Po-214 from radon in our homesPo-218 and Po-214 from radon in our homes


““Radon and CT Scans are OK”Radon and CT Scans are OK”

Good radiation vs bad radiationGood radiation vs bad radiation Good – naturally occurring or prescribed by MDGood – naturally occurring or prescribed by MD Bad – everything elseBad – everything else

Do our bodies react according to source?Do our bodies react according to source? Radon may be largest source of exposureRadon may be largest source of exposure

Even for radiation workersEven for radiation workers 100s to 1,000s of mrem / year100s to 1,000s of mrem / year

CT scans may give as much as CT scans may give as much as 1,000 to 2,000 mrem per scan1,000 to 2,000 mrem per scan


““Radiation Will Cause Deformities”Radiation Will Cause Deformities”

No one wants children with 3 eyesNo one wants children with 3 eyes

Very unlikelyVery unlikely

Only for extremely high exposures in uteroOnly for extremely high exposures in utero


““Radiation Will Make You Glow”Radiation Will Make You Glow”

Everyone’s favorite mythEveryone’s favorite myth

Every HP has a “glow in the dark” storyEvery HP has a “glow in the dark” story

21Radiation Safety Academy

Homer SimpsonHomer Simpson Sometimes I think there's no Sometimes I think there's no

reason to get out of bed . . . reason to get out of bed . . . then I feel wet, and I realize then I feel wet, and I realize there is. there is.

A fool and his money are soon A fool and his money are soon parted. I would pay anyone a parted. I would pay anyone a lot of money to explain that to lot of money to explain that to me. me.

When will I learn? The When will I learn? The answer to life's problems answer to life's problems aren't at the bottom of a aren't at the bottom of a bottle, they're on TV! bottle, they're on TV!


““A Pill Can Protect You A Pill Can Protect You from Radiation”from Radiation”

Yes, but in a very limited wayYes, but in a very limited way

Potassium iodide may help reduce the Potassium iodide may help reduce the

uptake of radioactive iodine by the uptake of radioactive iodine by the

thyroid gland.thyroid gland.

No “magic pill” to protect from all radiationNo “magic pill” to protect from all radiation


““Granite Counter Tops Granite Counter Tops are Dangerous”are Dangerous”

Granite may contain measurable uranium, Granite may contain measurable uranium, radium, and decay productsradium, and decay products

Therefore, it is radioactive (enough said?)Therefore, it is radioactive (enough said?) People are reading mR / hr with a pancake GMPeople are reading mR / hr with a pancake GM

Either uncalibrated or calibrated for Cs-137Either uncalibrated or calibrated for Cs-137 Not calibrated for Pb-214 (242, 295, and 352 keV)Not calibrated for Pb-214 (242, 295, and 352 keV)

or Bi-214 (609 keV)or Bi-214 (609 keV) 90% or more of the signal is due to beta90% or more of the signal is due to beta


Exposure to RadiationExposure to Radiation

Will make you “radioactive”Will make you “radioactive”

You are at risk if you touch someone who You are at risk if you touch someone who

has been exposed to radiationhas been exposed to radiation

Radiation can be spread by touchRadiation can be spread by touch

Food exposed to radiation becomes Food exposed to radiation becomes

radioactiveradioactive


““A Radiation Suit will Protect You”A Radiation Suit will Protect You”

Anti-contamination clothing is to prevent Anti-contamination clothing is to prevent

pickup of radioactive materials on your pickup of radioactive materials on your

body or other clothing.body or other clothing.

No protection for gamma raysNo protection for gamma rays

Radiation badges are not Radiation badges are not

protective badgesprotective badges


““We do Not Know What to do with We do Not Know What to do with Radioactive Waste”Radioactive Waste”

Radioactive waste will be deadlyRadioactive waste will be deadly

for thousands of years for thousands of years

““Since we do not know what to do Since we do not know what to do

with the wastes - with the wastes -

we should not generate any”we should not generate any”

We have actually known what to do with We have actually known what to do with

radioactive waste for at least 50 yearsradioactive waste for at least 50 years


Physical Effects of RadiationPhysical Effects of Radiation

““Dental x-rays cause headaches”Dental x-rays cause headaches” Reported by one womanReported by one woman

A man reported a “tingle” in his hand A man reported a “tingle” in his hand from reaching into a baggage from reaching into a baggage inspection machineinspection machine

As far as I know, no one has ever had a As far as I know, no one has ever had a physical experience of radiationphysical experience of radiation We have all experienced gravity, electricity, etc.We have all experienced gravity, electricity, etc.


Radiation for Breast CancerRadiation for Breast Cancer

““Radiation therapy is painful”Radiation therapy is painful”

““Radiation will cause you to lose your hair”Radiation will cause you to lose your hair”

““It will cause nausea and vomiting”It will cause nausea and vomiting”

““It will increase your chances of getting It will increase your chances of getting

more breast cancer”more breast cancer”


Nuclear Reactor MythsNuclear Reactor Myths

““Nuclear power will generate electricity too Nuclear power will generate electricity too

cheap to meter”cheap to meter”

““Nuclear reactors won’t blow up, Nuclear reactors won’t blow up,

they will just meltdown”they will just meltdown”

China syndromeChina syndrome

TMI – Mary OsbornTMI – Mary Osborn


““Cell Phones Cause Brain Tumors”Cell Phones Cause Brain Tumors”

They emit radiation, don’t they?They emit radiation, don’t they? What more do you need to know?What more do you need to know? Again, trying to explain the Again, trying to explain the

origin of a brain tumororigin of a brain tumor Brain tumors have only occurred since the Brain tumors have only occurred since the

use of cell phones?use of cell phones? Non-ionizing radiation is not linked Non-ionizing radiation is not linked

to cancerto cancer


““Radar Guns Radar Guns Cause Prostate Cancer”Cause Prostate Cancer”

Another source of radiation, it must be the Another source of radiation, it must be the

answer to explain prostate canceranswer to explain prostate cancer

Non-ionizing radiation transfers Non-ionizing radiation transfers

energy as heatenergy as heat

No heating effect from radar gunsNo heating effect from radar guns


““A Little Radiation A Little Radiation May be Good for You”May be Good for You”

Hormesis conceptHormesis concept

Small amounts stimulate a beneficial Small amounts stimulate a beneficial

response – large amounts are harmfulresponse – large amounts are harmful

Is this true for radiation?Is this true for radiation?

Lots of evidence would say “yes”Lots of evidence would say “yes”


To Fear or Not To FearTo Fear or Not To Fear Radiation workers Radiation workers

choose riskschoose risks Trained in radiation Trained in radiation

basics / safetybasics / safety Usually, low concernUsually, low concern

PublicPublic UntrainedUntrained Learns from mediaLearns from media Alarm for radiationAlarm for radiation How come ?How come ?

34Radiation Safety Academy

More of HomerMore of Homer If you want results, press the If you want results, press the

red red button. The rest button. The rest are are useless.useless.

I hope I didn't brain my I hope I didn't brain my damagedamage

Operator! Give me the Operator! Give me the number number for 911 for 911

Trying is the first step Trying is the first step towards towards failure. failure.


““Is it Safe?”Is it Safe?” Primary question for workers Primary question for workers

When beginning to use radiationWhen beginning to use radiation

This question is what staff want answeredThis question is what staff want answered Basis for radiation safety awareness classBasis for radiation safety awareness class

Response to concerns hampered by LNT – Response to concerns hampered by LNT – risks down to zero doserisks down to zero dose

Difficult to conclude any level Difficult to conclude any level is inherently safeis inherently safe


Acceptable RiskAcceptable Risk Typical levels of occupational exposuresTypical levels of occupational exposures

Well within tolerable levels of riskWell within tolerable levels of risk Especially compared to other everyday risksEspecially compared to other everyday risks

So, why can’t we simply tell people –So, why can’t we simply tell people –“It is safe!”“It is safe!”

Question “Is it safe?”Question “Is it safe?” Either has no answerEither has no answer Or, multiple answersOr, multiple answers


Saying, “It is Safe”Saying, “It is Safe” Difficult for many reasonsDifficult for many reasons

First – What does safe mean?First – What does safe mean? For many, safe means NO radiationFor many, safe means NO radiation

Second – if we share what we believe is safeSecond – if we share what we believe is safe People can discount our viewsPeople can discount our views

People can disagreePeople can disagree

Acceptable answer can only be determined Acceptable answer can only be determined

by individualsby individuals


Rather Than Saying “It is Safe”Rather Than Saying “It is Safe” Provide information and evidenceProvide information and evidence

From which people can derive their own From which people can derive their own answers of what safe means for them answers of what safe means for them

Show-and-tell, common radioactive items Show-and-tell, common radioactive items Fiesta ware, lantern mantels, K-40, Fiesta ware, lantern mantels, K-40,

depression glass, and vaseline glassdepression glass, and vaseline glass Compare with radiation sourcesCompare with radiation sources

Acceptance of what is safeAcceptance of what is safe Involve feelings andInvolve feelings and Values developed over a lifetimeValues developed over a lifetime

For lifetime valuesFor lifetime values Everyone is an expertEveryone is an expert


Answer to “What is Safe?”Answer to “What is Safe?” Everyone has a sense of what is safeEveryone has a sense of what is safe

Safe may be different for each personSafe may be different for each person Related to views of radiation risksRelated to views of radiation risks

Images of consequences from radiationImages of consequences from radiation If you are exposed to radiation, what will happen?If you are exposed to radiation, what will happen?

Before answering the question, consider Before answering the question, consider other other questions, such asquestions, such as How safe do we need to be?How safe do we need to be? What does safe mean?What does safe mean? How safe is safe?How safe is safe? Who decides?Who decides? How do we know?How do we know?


Answers to Questions on SafetyAnswers to Questions on Safety

Can only be answered by each personCan only be answered by each person Related to their concernsRelated to their concerns

We cannot answer for another personWe cannot answer for another person We cannot say “It is safe!”We cannot say “It is safe!”

With any expectation that With any expectation that “our answer” will be accepted by “our answer” will be accepted by

othersothers What can we say?What can we say?


Is it Safe?Is it Safe? Workers, families, public want to Workers, families, public want to

know “Is it safe?”know “Is it safe?” For peace of mindFor peace of mind For making good decisions for safetyFor making good decisions for safety To avoid being afraidTo avoid being afraid

We may not be able to answer directlyWe may not be able to answer directly We can be a resource to help people We can be a resource to help people

answer the question for themselvesanswer the question for themselves


Steps from Cause to EffectSteps from Cause to Effect

1. What are properties of RAM (1. What are properties of RAM ()?)? form and quantity?form and quantity?

2. Where is it located?2. Where is it located?

3. How is it contained?3. How is it contained?

4. How will it move in the environment?4. How will it move in the environment?

5. What are the exposure conditions?5. What are the exposure conditions?

6. How much energy is deposited in body?6. How much energy is deposited in body?

7. What is the health risk?7. What is the health risk?


Understanding Radiation RisksUnderstanding Radiation Risks Everyone is afraid of radiation Everyone is afraid of radiation

at some levelat some level Fears come from imagesFears come from images

Information is filtered past Information is filtered past these imagesthese images Images are barriersImages are barriers Images control attitudes and Images control attitudes and

perceptionsperceptions People respond to images and People respond to images and

perceptions as their truthperceptions as their truth


Public FearsPublic Fears Media have fostered mindset that all radiationMedia have fostered mindset that all radiation

is harmful is harmful Always referred to as Always referred to as “Deadly Radiation”“Deadly Radiation” Regardless of the amountRegardless of the amount

Most people are fearful Most people are fearful of radiation of radiation

Medical and natural Medical and natural radiation are OK radiation are OK

Most people cannot recall ever hearing Most people cannot recall ever hearing anything anything good about radiationgood about radiation

Based on a poll of over 1,500 peopleBased on a poll of over 1,500 people


Basis of Radiation Risk PerceptionsBasis of Radiation Risk Perceptions When did radiation become fearsome?When did radiation become fearsome?

1945 – Hiroshima / Nagasaki1945 – Hiroshima / Nagasaki 1979 – Three Mile Island1979 – Three Mile Island 1986 – Chernobyl1986 – Chernobyl

Is there a good basis for radiation fears?Is there a good basis for radiation fears? Is radiation deadly? Is radiation deadly? What is the evidence?What is the evidence? How many people in the US have died from How many people in the US have died from

radiation exposures? Where? radiation exposures? Where? When?When? How much radiation does it take How much radiation does it take

to cause effects? to cause effects? Death?Death?


Radiation PhobiaRadiation Phobia Phobias are irrational and abnormal fearsPhobias are irrational and abnormal fears Prospects of radiation may be enough to Prospects of radiation may be enough to trigger trigger

a phobic responsea phobic response Even among first respondersEven among first responders

Phobic persons have fearful expectations Phobic persons have fearful expectations of extreme consequencesof extreme consequences

Phobic person’s feelings spiral downward Phobic person’s feelings spiral downward

in response to question of in response to question of “What if ?”“What if ?” Actions will be taken to fears of Actions will be taken to fears of “What if”“What if”

rather than rather than “What is.”“What is.”


Radiation PhobiaRadiation PhobiaFears arise from the question, Fears arise from the question,

“What if ..?”“What if ..?” What if I am exposed to radiation?What if I am exposed to radiation? What if I get contaminated?What if I get contaminated? What if my children are exposed?What if my children are exposed? What if my property What if my property

gets contaminated?gets contaminated?

Basis of phobias Basis of phobias (fears / images)?(fears / images)?

Ask Ask “What’s so bad about that ?”“What’s so bad about that ?”


Fear of RadiationFear of Radiation Psychological effects may be equally, if not Psychological effects may be equally, if not

more, damaging than physical health effectsmore, damaging than physical health effects Fear is created by the unconscious mind as a Fear is created by the unconscious mind as a

protective mechanismprotective mechanism Result of linking radiation with emotional traumaResult of linking radiation with emotional trauma

Real life scare – not likelyReal life scare – not likely Benign event – movies, TV, news – most likelyBenign event – movies, TV, news – most likely

Powerful negative association, unconscious mind Powerful negative association, unconscious mind says this is very dangerous and to avoid says this is very dangerous and to avoid radiation, I will attach terrible feelings to radiation, I will attach terrible feelings to

radiation, to assure that I will be saferadiation, to assure that I will be safe A radiophobia is bornA radiophobia is born


Sources of Radiation FearsSources of Radiation Fears Perceptions of radiation risksPerceptions of radiation risks

Related to images of Related to images of unacceptable consequencesunacceptable consequences

Lack of informationLack of information Forces people to rely on Forces people to rely on

What they already know or What they already know or believe about radiation believe about radiation

Use of imagination Use of imagination Worst case images of disasterWorst case images of disaster


Common Basis of Radiation FearsCommon Basis of Radiation Fears Fearful images of consequences,

such as cancer and death Dread and expectations of

catastrophic consequences No way to know if you have

been exposed If you know, it may be too late You do not know what will happen,

but you know it will be bad Possible effects on children

and future generations Possible long-term harm to property

and property values You have no control and there is no escape


Fears of RadiationFears of Radiation Loss of controlLoss of control

SicknessSickness

Loss of familyLoss of family

Sterility and impotenceSterility and impotence

Deformed childrenDeformed children

Developing cancer Developing cancer

DyingDying


Basis of Radiation FearsBasis of Radiation Fears

Inability to see, feel, smell,Inability to see, feel, smell, or detect by our senses or detect by our senses

Also true for many chemical toxins, Also true for many chemical toxins, mercury, mercury, PCBs, dioxin, asbestosPCBs, dioxin, asbestos

Word association of nuclear weapons and Word association of nuclear weapons and nuclear energynuclear energy

Radiation was actually cause of few Radiation was actually cause of few deaths from bombsdeaths from bombs

Causes cancerCauses cancer


Radiation and Fearful ImagesRadiation and Fearful Images Fear of radiation is about imagesFear of radiation is about images

Radiation does not produce Radiation does not produce any sensation any sensation

No one has had an No one has had an experience of radiationexperience of radiation

We cannot learn about We cannot learn about radiation by experienceradiation by experience

Not like touching a hot panNot like touching a hot pan Getting an electrical shock, orGetting an electrical shock, or Falling to the groundFalling to the ground


The Gift of FearThe Gift of Fear Fear is a gift for our Fear is a gift for our

protectionprotection True fear is part of our True fear is part of our

defense mechanismdefense mechanism Worries or anxieties are based on ourWorries or anxieties are based on our

memories or imagination memories or imagination Worry is not a true fear, but a choiceWorry is not a true fear, but a choice

Many fears are learnedMany fears are learned Does anyone have a true fear Does anyone have a true fear

of radiation?of radiation?


ImaginationImagination Conflict results when we Conflict results when we

assume an imagined assume an imagined outcome is a sure thingoutcome is a sure thing

Proust’s inexorable law:Proust’s inexorable law:

““Only that which is absent Only that which is absent can be imagined”can be imagined”

What is happening cannot be imaginationWhat is happening cannot be imagination When you fear something, When you fear something,

Then it is not happening right nowThen it is not happening right now


FearFear Summons powerful Summons powerful

predictive forcespredictive forces Tells what might come nextTells what might come next

Fear is about what might Fear is about what might happen nexthappen next

Not what is happening nowNot what is happening now If standing near a cliff, If standing near a cliff,

you might fear getting too closeyou might fear getting too close If standing at the edge, If standing at the edge,

you now fear falling offyou now fear falling off If you fall, you now fear landingIf you fall, you now fear landing


Role of the MediaRole of the Media Scare stories about radiation Scare stories about radiation

sell news and advertising sell news and advertising Radiation is not new or mysteriousRadiation is not new or mysterious TV is for entertainment, not educationTV is for entertainment, not education Gross over coverage of radiation storiesGross over coverage of radiation stories Media has created mental mind set – Media has created mental mind set –

Most everyone now believes Most everyone now believes

“radiation is deadly”“radiation is deadly”


Electronic TerrorismElectronic Terrorism Language, images, graphics are carefully Language, images, graphics are carefully

chosen to make each story seem urgent, chosen to make each story seem urgent,

or significant, or frighteningor significant, or frightening

Viewers are left swimming in pictures of fearViewers are left swimming in pictures of fear Without a balanced perspective on the situationWithout a balanced perspective on the situation

News should focus on what is knownNews should focus on what is known Instead news focuses on what is not knownInstead news focuses on what is not known

Builds on speculation, supposition, rumor, Builds on speculation, supposition, rumor,

gossip, projection, and conjecturegossip, projection, and conjecture


TV NewsTV News News networks seem to have a News networks seem to have a

Frequent Frighteners ClubFrequent Frighteners Club Which network has the most Which network has the most

anxiety- producing style?anxiety- producing style? Local news is where fear tactics are testedLocal news is where fear tactics are tested Information is hidden behind sensationInformation is hidden behind sensation

And, that sensation is And, that sensation is FEARFEAR Difficult to calm fears when news isDifficult to calm fears when news is

constantly producing unnecessary constantly producing unnecessary anxietyanxiety


TV May Not Welcome Less TV May Not Welcome Less FearFear


There Would Be Less Fear of There Would Be Less Fear of Radiation, if only …… !Radiation, if only …… !

If only - people understood radiation,If only - people understood radiation,

the way we do !the way we do ! Is the answer better education of the public?Is the answer better education of the public?

If only - people were more rational and logical.If only - people were more rational and logical. Do irrational emotions lead to extreme reactions?Do irrational emotions lead to extreme reactions?

If only - people did not have such strange If only - people did not have such strange

perceptions of radiation risks ?perceptions of radiation risks ? People need to deal with “What is” vs “What if”People need to deal with “What is” vs “What if”

What is true on this slide ?What is true on this slide ?


The Experience of FearThe Experience of Fear

““I’ve experienced a great many I’ve experienced a great many

terrible things in my life, terrible things in my life,

a few of which have actually a few of which have actually

happened.” happened.” Will RogersWill Rogers


Two Word Risk Assessment Two Word Risk Assessment and Risk Communicationand Risk Communication

Media avoids complex risk Media avoids complex risk assessments with only assessments with only

two wordstwo words

““Deadly radiation”Deadly radiation” Assumes - Assumes -

Cause and EffectCause and Effect


Radiation Fears - FutureRadiation Fears - Future Is radiation fear based on myths or reality ?Is radiation fear based on myths or reality ? Fear feeds on ignoranceFear feeds on ignorance We are most afraid of what we know the We are most afraid of what we know the

least aboutleast about Incomprehensible science is a great Incomprehensible science is a great

opportunity for fearopportunity for fear What if strong public fear of radiation What if strong public fear of radiation

were dispelled?were dispelled?


The Power of MythsThe Power of Myths Once a myth is put out there,Once a myth is put out there,

Denying it can reinforce its staying powerDenying it can reinforce its staying power Ignoring it does not work either,Ignoring it does not work either,

An unchallenged claim gains the ring of truthAn unchallenged claim gains the ring of truth Over time “negative tags” fall out of memoryOver time “negative tags” fall out of memory

Conventional response to mythsConventional response to mythscounter bad information with good counter bad information with good

Psychological studies show denials and Psychological studies show denials and clarifications, for all their rational appealclarifications, for all their rational appeal Paradoxically contribute to resiliency Paradoxically contribute to resiliency

of popular mythsof popular myths


Value of MythsValue of Myths Myths help to explain the “unexplainable”Myths help to explain the “unexplainable” In terms that are understandable to mostIn terms that are understandable to most Simple, direct, make “sense” to laypersonSimple, direct, make “sense” to layperson Relates to what has been said beforeRelates to what has been said before Sounds credibleSounds credible Reinforced with pictures, anecdotesReinforced with pictures, anecdotes Explains cause-to-effectExplains cause-to-effect Easy to point to blameEasy to point to blame


Resiliency of MythsResiliency of Myths Contrary to the notion that people absorb Contrary to the notion that people absorb

information in a deliberate manner,information in a deliberate manner, Studies show the brain uses subconscious Studies show the brain uses subconscious

“rules of thumb” that can bias in favor “rules of thumb” that can bias in favor of of thinking that false information is truethinking that false information is true

Studies with MBTI show most people rely Studies with MBTI show most people rely on others to tell them the on others to tell them the meaning of science (abstract thinking)meaning of science (abstract thinking)

Media provide the “rules of thumb” Media provide the “rules of thumb” and “the meaning”and “the meaning”


Resiliency of MythsResiliency of Myths

Easy to believe people,Easy to believe people, who say what we already agree with who say what we already agree with

Easy to believe hearsay, rumor, gossip Easy to believe hearsay, rumor, gossip which reiterates what we have always heardwhich reiterates what we have always heard

Provides opportunity Provides opportunity to blame others for what goes wrongto blame others for what goes wrong

Harder to believe those who say otherwiseHarder to believe those who say otherwise Especially when they only speak “science”Especially when they only speak “science”


Will Truth of Radiation PrevailWill Truth of Radiation Prevail ? ? Technical Technical

approachapproach Belief that truth of Belief that truth of

technical message technical message will prevailwill prevail

Public Public interpretationinterpretation Different than expected ?Different than expected ? How come ?How come ?


Answers to Radiation MythsAnswers to Radiation Myths

What can we do ?What can we do ? Be skepticalBe skeptical Do not believe everything we see or hearDo not believe everything we see or hear Ask lots of questionsAsk lots of questions Is education and outreach the answer?Is education and outreach the answer? Provide tools and evidence for people to Provide tools and evidence for people to

draw their own conclusionsdraw their own conclusions Understanding steps from cause to effectUnderstanding steps from cause to effect


Radiation AnswersRadiation Answers

HPS.orgHPS.org - Ask the Experts - Ask the Experts Over 7,000 answered questions in categoriesOver 7,000 answered questions in categories

Radiationanswers.orgRadiationanswers.org Section onSection on radiation mythsradiation myths

Ed Hiserordt – “Underexposed”Ed Hiserordt – “Underexposed” John Stossel - John Stossel -

Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity: Get Out the Shovel - Why Everything You Know is Wrong (Paperback - May 1, 2007) (Paperback - May 1, 2007)


Documents

Fifty Years of Radiation Mythology BWCHPS 50 th Anniversary Ray Johnson, MS, PE, FHPS, CHP VP Training Programs Dade Moeller & Associates [email protected]