Measuring radiation for radioprotective reasons is seemingly a rather simple matter. However, the not too complicated instruments and rather straightforward measuring techniques do not always guarantee sound scientific results. This is often due to complications when interpreting the measurements.
In this seminar three radiation risk areas will be discussed in the light of recent new investigations: i/cancer in Sweden due to the Chernobyl accident, ii/ radon in dwellings and smoking and iii/ use of cellular telephones. Beside the physical measuring aspects, interpretation, ethics and the role of scientists and authorities will be touched upon.
i/ According to commonly accepted knowledge, the fall out over Sweden after the Chernoyl accident has been regarded as much too low to give rise to an detectable increase of cancers. A recent investigation seems to change this view radicaly.
ii/ Smoking is dangerous to health. Radon is also, but far from as much, dangerous to health. Smoking and radon is evidently very dangerous to health. What are the conclusions?
iii/ The possible risks of radiation from cellular telephones has been discussed a lot. One of the problems is the difficulty to know what to measure.