Originally Posted by
Randy Evans
Mr. Connell,
This thread is being followed closely by a number of folks who are interested in the granite/radon issue. Your skepticism about that has been interpreted to mean that you are skeptical generally of the idea that radon AND/OR radiation might ever be harmful.
I read you to say the following:
1. Radon PROBABLY IS harmful at high enough levels and long enough exposures (enslaved miners, etc.), but levels typically measured in American homes (with or without granite countertops) are not scientifically established to cause health problems. The fact that an industry has grown up around the 4 pCi/L level that the EPA advertises is unrelated to any scientific consensus about the appropriateness of that level.
2. Radiation can be harmful, but it is important to understand the terms, units of measurement, and other important ideas surrounding it before you make statements about it. An untrained person waving a meter around and reading things they don't understand is quite likely to make unfounded conclusions and say something stupid.
That's what I'm understanding you to say, in my layman's terms. Am I close?
Randy
You might want to add that most of the governments disagree with Cao including our own. Listening to a crack pot "expert" who seems to be a toxic defense lawyers go to guy might cause some harm to consumers.
Also, an untrained person listening to a crackpot "expert" might make some unfounded conclusions and say something stupid as well.
Lord knows you wouldn't want to read the BEIR VII executive summary and see where they reject Cao's crackpot Hormesis claims. After all, despite the majority of science being against him, you have found someone that fits your agenda.
I don't think Cao ever answered the questions about how many cigarettes should be smoked each day to gain these same health benefits.
Good one Bruce. Excellent logic.