Comparison of risks of occupational radiation doses with other health risks (EO2)

DOE-HDBK-1131-98

General Employee Radiological Training

Student's Guide

4. Comparison of risks of occupational radiation doses with other health risks

(EO2)

The risk of working with or around sources of ionizing radiation can be

compared to the risks we accept as part of everyday life.

These data address the expected effect on the average life span of a

large population of individuals subjected to the risk factor/behavior in

question.

a. Loss of life expectancy due to various causes (Expressed in days)

Estimated Days of Life

Health Risk

Expectancy Lost, Average

Being unmarried male

3500

Smoking (1 pack/day)

2250

Being unmarried female

1600

Being a coal miner

1100

15% overweight

777

Alcohol (US average)

365

Being a construction worker

227

Driving a motor vehicle

205

All industry

Radiation 100 mrem/yr (70 yr)

Coffee (US Average)