Radiation brain drain? The impact of demographic change on U.S. radiation protection Journal Article


Authors: Hricak, H.; Dauer, L. T.
Article Title: Radiation brain drain? The impact of demographic change on U.S. radiation protection
Abstract: The use of radiation has a substantial beneficial impact, particularly in the areas of medicine, energy production, basic science research, and industrial applications. Radiation protection knowledge and experience are required for acquiring and implementing scientific knowledge to protect workers, members of the public, and the environment from potential harmful effects of ionizing radiation while facilitating the beneficial use and development of radiation-based technologies. However, demographic changes are negatively impacting U.S. radiation protection and response capabilities. The number of radiation professionals continues to decrease even as the demand for such professionals is growing. These concerns are most pronounced in the medical, energy, research, and security arenas. Though the United States has been the world leader in radiation protection and radiation sciences for many years, the country has no strategic plan to ensure the maintenance of expertise in radiobiology, radiation physics, and radiation protection. Solving this problem will require a significant increase in federal and state funding as well as formal partnerships and initiatives among academia, professional societies, government, and the private sector. © 2016 Health Physics Society.
Keywords: radiation protection; national council on radiation protection and measurements; exposure radiation; radiation low-level
Journal Title: Health Physics
Volume: 112
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0017-9078
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins  
Date Published: 2017-02-01
Start Page: 126
End Page: 130
Language: English
DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000000602
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 28027150
DOI/URL:
Notes: Conference Paper -- Export Date: 2 February 2017 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Hedvig Hricak
    419 Hricak
  2. Lawrence Dauer
    170 Dauer