ML19259A921
| ML19259A921 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 01/04/1979 |
| From: | Hendrie J NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Hatfield M SENATE, ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7901110249 | |
| Download: ML19259A921 (3) | |
Text
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UNITED STATES g
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Eanuary 4, 1979 Y
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CHAIRMAN The Honorable Mark O.
Hatfield Conmittee on Energy and Natural ?.esources United States Senate Washington, D.
C.
20510
Dear Senator Hatfield:
I am pleased to respond to your inquiry on behalf of Mr. Marbet regarding low-level radiation standards and the need for a public hearing to address the sufficiency of these standards in light of recent developments.
In response to a petition by the Natural Resources Defense '
Council (PRM 20-6) for the NRC to revise downward its radiation protection standards for occupational whole-body exposure (10 CFR 20.101), the NRC has given in-depth consideration to alternative means of controlling the risk associated with occupational exposure, including a downward revision of dose-limiting standards as requested by the NRDC.
After careful consideration, the Commission has decided to hold a public hearing in order to more fully address the issues rcIntect to-the ETRDC" petition and to increase public participation.
The Commission Information paper on the subject and pertinent staff comments are enclosed for your convenience.
The scope of the hearing will also include an update of the 1972 National Academy of Sciences report on the biological effects of ionizing radiation expected next.
Spring, unless a delay in its availability would unduly protract the completion of the hearing.
Efforts are underway to determine if other Federal agencies with responsibilities for radiological health and. safety are interested in holding a joint hearing on this matter.
Regard.lcss of the outcome of the public hearing, the NRC staff has recommended to the Commission that NRC licensees be required to develop individual occupational exposure programs designed to maintain radiation exposure to workers 20/2 221 o
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4 Honorable Mark O.
Hatfield 42-as low as is reasonably achievable.
In addition, the staff has recommended that 10 CFR Parts 19 and 20 be amended to delete the dose averaging formula thus redu:ing the anxinum dose that a worker may receive from 12 rems per year to five.
A3 jou are aware, growing public percepcion that questions about low-level radiation health effects need to be more fully addressed at the Federal level has precipitated additional initiatives which have and will continue to involve the NRC.
A May 9, 1978 White House memorandum from Stuart Eisenstat and Zbigniew Brzezinski requested the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of HEW, Secretary of Energy, and Administrator of Veterans Affairs to coordinate the formulation of a low-level radiation program to include the following:
1.
A study or series of studies to determine the effects of radiation exposure on participants in nuclear weapons tests, workers at nuclear facilities and projects, and other persons as indicated.
2.
A public information program to inform persons who might have been affected and the general public about the steps being taken and the conduct of the studies.
3.
A-plan for care of persons af tected by-radiation-exposure.
4.
Recommendations of steps which can be taker to reduce the incidence of adverse radiation exposur,of this type in the future.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has providad technical support to HEW in this effort.
The NRC authorization bill for FY 79 (P.L.95-601) directs NRC to conduct jointly with EPA a preliminary planning /
feasibility study for epidemiological research on the health effects of low-level ionizing radiation.
P.L.95-622, reflecting these same concerns, directs the Secretary of HEW to establish a comprehensive program of research into the biological effects of low-level ionizing radiation, affording NRC, DOE, and EPA the opportunity for full participation in the effort.
20/2
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.c Honorable Mark O.
Hatfield -
1.1: hough most of the controversy regarding the adequacy of HRC radi.ation protection standards has focused on occupational exposure standards, the above mentioned initiatives will also attempt to clarify the broader question of the health o? fact of low-level radiation on the general public.
I trust that this letter is responsive to your request.
Please contact this office if;,I can be of further assistance.
- incerely,
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Hendrie
Enclosure:
As stated lsM A L X L@
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