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Hazards Technology and Fairness (1986) / Chapter Skim
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Pages 20-21

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From page 20...
... An additional exposure that is small compared to the natural background ought to be acceptable; at the very least, its deleterious effect, if any, can never be determined. Adler suggested that for radiation whose natural background is well known, one might choose a de minimis level as the standard deviation of the natural background, which is about 20 percent of the mean backgroundthat is, about 20 millirems per year.
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From page 21...
... Clearly, a de minimis level will always be somewhat arbitrary. Nevertheless, it seems that unless such a level is established, we shall forever be involved in fruitless arguments, the only beneficiary of which will be the toxic tort lawyers.
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Key Terms

  • tort law
  • natural background
  • bde level
  • minimis level
  • biological effects


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