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ALARA

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Rennhack:
Acronym for "as low as (is) reasonably achievable." Means making every reasonable effort to maintain exposures to ionizing radiation as far below the dose limits as practical, consistent with the purpose for which the licensed activity is undertaken, taking into account the state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to benefits to the public health and safety, and other societal and socioeconomic considerations, and in relation to utilization of nuclear energy and licensed materials in the public interest (see 10 CFR 20.1003).

ageoldtech:
By todays industry standards 1 person Rem is worth $20,000

Rennhack:
indicates that every reasonable effort must be made to maintain exposures as far below the applicable limits as practical. 

raymcginnis:
It also applies to a previous Nukeworker subject, "How Hot is Clean."   Our site has a site wide release limit.  We always try to go below that goal, if economically reasonable and achievable.  The economics is defined in the regulations, as Mike said.

The regulations define reasonable, the politics of your site define achievable (especially if you have dissention). The real answer is in the balance between the two.

ALARA always will mean "As low as reasonably achievable" yet, people will always argue about what is reasonable and what is achieveable.

Reasonable is the key word.  That brings in the word risk.  That is where the argument and the disagreements become fuzzy.

Rennhack:
Everyone:  This 'Definitions' board is just that.  It's for definitions, explanations of definitions, and any 'encyclopedia' type information on a subject.  It is not for debates, smart remarks, or political jabs.

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